eleven Years Old: IMPULSIVE

Please keep in mind as you read the following lists of developmentally appropriate behaviors, that no two children are alike.  Some children might exhibit all the age-related characteristics, some might exhibit most, and there are some children who might not exhibit more than one or two. 

When using the list below, it is important to also consider your child’s adjusted age if applicable, environmental, and situational factors, the child’s temperament, and if the child is in a period of equilibrium or disequilibrium. ​

An 11-year old child usually but not always:
Outlook

• is talkative, outgoing and friendly
• is self-assertive, although may be called “rude and difficult”
• experiences wide range of moods and emotions- can fly into a rage or burst out in laughter
• can be loud and exuberant
• has a talent for gaiety and laughter

Behavior

• interrupts often
• is impulsive
• is highly curious
• is still emotionally immature and unaware of how others see him
• exhibits best behavior when away from home
• resists imposed tasks

Physical

• wiggles a lot
• is increasingly hungry – has appetite for experience as well as food
• fatigues readily
• can feel too hot or too cold – even the body becomes unstable as he enters adolescence

Family

• still has a strong attachment to home
• quarrels with siblings
• rebels against parents; finds fault, argues, calls names, yells, talks back
• is more critical of father
• needs parents to balance reactions and not be too sensitive or too lenient

Summary of adolescence:

• 10 is reminiscent of 5 – self-contained, relaxed, direct, easy give-and-take
• 11 is tense, questioning, searches and tests self through conflicts with others
• 12 is better balanced – accepts others, more objective, fluctuates from childish to mature attitudes
• 13 withdraws – reminiscent of 7
• 14 more outgoing, compares self with others
• 15 is more introspective – explores self in relation to ideas, ideals, opinions of others
• 16 more at ease, independent, self-reliant

Much of the following information is based on the studies by The Gesell Institute of Human Development, with the primary source being Your One Year Old, by Louise Bates Ames, Ph.D. Also included is information from Pick Up Your Socks by Elizabeth Crary. This information Can be found at the centerforparentingeducation.org