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Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc.
Unit 3 The Learner
Most 10-year-olds do not interact much with the opposite gender.
By the time they reach age 12, however, that may change. Classroom
romances and crushes become more common.
Students this age highly value the opinions of peers. Fitting in
becomes very important, and life is difficult for those who do not.
Lack of acceptance may result on anything from level of physical
maturity to poor social skills to lack of the “right” clothes. This makes
preteens very vulnerable to peer pressure, and peers can be very
critical of others.
At the same time, children at this stage are able to understand
the positions or opinions of others. They can be caring, empathetic,
and nurturing. This makes them better friends. They also respond
enthusiastically to projects that help others, such as food drives for
the hungry.
Family Relationships
While children from 10 to 12 generally respect their parents,
parent-child relationships are starting to change. At times, preteens
defy parental authority by talking back, ignoring what parents say, or
doing things they know that their parents would not approve. At home,
as at school, they shift back and forth between cooperation and difficult
behavior.
The role of parents is very important at this stage. Even though
preteens are more capable, they need their parents’ time, understanding,
and wisdom. It is also important to keep strong lines of communication
open as they move toward adolescence. Teachers also provide a source
of adult feedback for many.
Sibling relationships can be pleasant or challenging. Preteens tend to
be bossy with younger siblings and annoying to older siblings. At around
12 years of age, moodiness increases, and can cause strain in sibling
relationships.
Self-Concept
By the end of this stage, boys and girls tend to see themselves
as capable of functioning quite well on their own. They fail to see
their own limitations. They often define themselves in terms of their
appearance, their material possessions, and their involvement in
activities.
In the meantime, preteens deal with many worries, including school
failures, family problems, and possibly the loss of a loved one. They
may worry about world events and natural disasters. Socially, these
students may demonstrate fear through argumentative, aggressive, or
apprehensive behaviors. Preteens often confide in friends, rather than