Ten Years Old: zEN

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 10-year old child usually but not always:

• is frank, un-self-conscious, accepts life and the world as they are
• delights in physical activities – sliding, running, climbing, jumping

Family

• is closely attached to family; mother has special prestige, but still gets along well with father
• can be very nurturing towards younger siblings, even pets

Social

• is fond of friends
• likes to be in groups, clubs, gangs, which tend to be inclusive in their membership
• loves to talk

School/Learning

• likes school, likes to learn and accepts a reasonable amount of homework without resentment
• is good at memorizing

Moral/Ethical

• has a strong moral sense of right and wrong – emphasis on finding out what is wrong
• has a matter-of-fact attitude about philosophical issues – life, death, deity, time, space issues
• is not self-centered but becoming aware of a conscience

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