Every child is unique, and every family deals with different issues. There are some things, however, that many parents deal with around the same time. The way parents choose to deal with these issues has an important impact on how healthy and competent their children grow up to be.
The information provided on this page was prepared by the Search Institute, an organization which has pioneered the use of social science research to understand children and young adults and help parents be better parents.
Additional information about spiritual development is based James Fowler's research into the stages of faith development in children and adults.
Directory By Age
(Click on the age group you are interested in)
• Developmental Overview: Ages 0-2
• Developmental Overview: Ages 3-5
• Developmental Overview: Ages 6-9
• Developmental Overview: Ages 10-14
• Developmental Overview: Ages 15-18
Intellectual Development
Physical Development
Social Development
Emotional Development
Spiritual Development
• Find out more here.
• • •
Intellectual Development
Physical Development
Social Development
Emotional Development
Communication
Spiritual Development
• Find out more here.
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What to Expect at this Age
As your child continues to grow, you’ll begin to notice new and exciting abilities. You’ll also notice a keener interest in the differences between boys and girls. It’s not uncommon for children of this age to want to play only with friends of the same sex.
And while children of this age enjoy many activities, they may also feel that their appearance or cultural background makes them “too different.” They may be reluctant to participate in activities outside of home, such as Cub Scouts or Girl Scouts. Reassure your child that you love and accept her just for who she is. Continue to encourage her to explore new activities.
Appreciate your child for the unique, lovable person he is. How you interact during an activity is what’s most important. Remember that helping your child develop good feelings about himself is also doing things with him, not just for him.
Intellectual Development
Physical Development
Social Development
Emotional Development
Spiritual Development
• Find out more here.
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What to Expect at This Age
Young teens are going through such dramatic changes, it’s normal for them to swing from being happy to being sad or from feeling smart to feeling dumb. They may worry about personal traits that are vital to them, but hardly noticeable to others. With a growing ability to see the consequences of different actions, tweens and young teens are increasingly considering who they are and who they may become. They are more able to think like adults, but they don’t have the experience and judgment needed to act like adults. It’s important to help them recognize that. Your reassurance and acceptance are especially important at this time, as is your tween or teen’s growth in school and community activities. Strong support will help them develop the confidence they need to make healthy choices.
Intellectual Development
Physical Development
Social Development
Emotional Development
Communication
Spiritual Development
• Find out more here.
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What to Expect At This Age
So, your teen has entered high school, and soon, she will be off to college or entering the workforce. While you’ve been helping your child to prepare for adult independence and responsibility all along, it’s important to realize that your teen’s plans for herself may be different from what you want.
Listen to your teen’s thoughts about the future. Support and respect his decisions, and offer ideas about what you think he might be good at . Encourage your teen to get involved in the community, and help him connect with other caring adults who can positively influence his development.
Intellectual Development
Physical Development
Social Development
Emotional Development
Communication
Spiritual Development
• Find out more here.
[Last Update: 03.03.21]