Normal Development: 11 Years Old

Physical Development

• may experience pubescent growth spurt if female (usually a year or two later for males)
• may tire easily and appear lazy (growth spurt drains energy)
• may look out of proportion
• is preoccupied with and self-conscious about appearance
• may have an appetite that fluctuates sharply
• enjoys observing or participating in competitive sports
• is keenly interested in learning about body changes
• may be curious about drugs, alcohol, and tobacco

Emotional Development

• may be experiencing sudden, dramatic, emotional changes associated with puberty
• vacillates between maturity one moment, immaturity the next
• tends to conceal feelings
• is hard on self and ultrasensitive to criticism

Social Development

• wants parental assistance, but may resist when offered
• is critical of parents
• is concerned with prestige and popularity
• likes to belong to a group and be like others
• becomes quite faddish
• spends about twice as much time on weekends with friends as with parents
• friendships may change due to different levels of maturity
• is acutely aware of the opposite sex

Mental Development

• has an increasing attention and concentration span
• strives to succeed
• has strong opinions
• begins to understand the motives behind the behavior of another

Each child is unique. It is therefore difficult to describe exactly what should be expected at each stage of a child's development. While certain attitudes, behaviors, and physical milestones tend to occur at certain ages, a wide spectrum of growth and behavior for each age is normal. Consequently, these guidelines are offered as a way of showing a general progression through the developmental stages rather than as fixed requirements for normal development at specific ages. It is perfectly natural for a child to attain some milestones earlier and other milestones later than the general trend. Keep this in mind as you review these milestones.

If you have any concerns related to your child's own pattern of development, check with your pediatrician or family physician.