Abstract
Middle childhood is a critical stage of human development and may be characterized by a shift in physical, psychological, and social development. This is a period when a child faces many problems which influence the developmental trajectory of them being on-track or off-track compared to their age group. When a child falls behind their age group there is an onset of difficulties that are apparent in subsequent developmental phases. The purpose of this paper is to discuss middle childhood age norms, identify characteristics of having an on-time or off-time transition, and explore the implications of having an off-time transition. In addition, this paper will discuss physiological, psychological, and social issues regarding those in middle childhood and the theories associated with its life transition.
Development in Middle Childhood
In the past 20 years, a collection of theories and empirical evidence from primatology, anthropology, endocrinology, behavior genetics, and evolutionary psychology have modernized our understanding of middle childhood (Del Giudice, 2014). Middle childhood initiates at age five or six and can last until the age of 11 (Rogers, 2016). There are a number of developmental milestones during middle childhood where a parent or caregiver may notice a continuation of biopsychosocial growth. This is a period when children may face problems thereby creating concerns for their parents or caregiver in regards to their wellbeing. According to Rogers (2016), parents worry that their child may be susceptible to emotional, social, and physical developmental delays, whereas they may fall behind their peer group. Thus, it is important for a parent or caregiver to recognize and understand what constitutes on-track and developmental delays during middle childhood.
Physical Development
In middle childhood, the body undergoes a small growth spurt and is followed by a steady, but constant developmental transition. According to Del Diudice (2016), the first eruption of permanent molars occurs around age six and during this same time frame, until age eight, the adrenal gland secretes androgens. The purpose of the different hormones secreted by the adrenal gland is to act as a chemical messenger while traveling through the bloodstream and contacting various body tissues, which allow them to function properly (Adrenal Extract, 2013). Androgen has many functions such as a) being particularly a male sex hormone that constructs and maintains the differences between being a male or female, b) playing a role in early development of male sex organs during childhood, and c) being an essential element during puberty for females (Adrenal Extract, 2013).
As the body continues to develop during middle childhood, the child’s skeletal structure begins to take its adult form and the bones become denser (Rogers, 2016). The body starts to retain fat and increase in muscle mass; still, boys and girls usually have similar body structures until either sex reaches puberty (Adrenal Extract, 2013). Sexual maturity occurs in boys between age nine and 12, and occurs in girls between age eight and 14, but research suggests that it can occur as early as age 6 in girls from ethnic cultures (Howland, 2015). When either sex undergoes puberty in middle childhood, distinctive gender variances in body structure become apparent such as breasts and curves in females, increased height and broader shoulders in males. In addition, a body odor begins to exist due to the presence of auxiliary hair and vocal characteristics begin to coincide with the child’s sex (Rogers, 2016).
Rogers (2016) notes children develop and enhance their fine motor skills during middle childhood when they actively participate in physical activities such as running, climbing, or other activities that require finger and hand coordination. Rogers adds that physical activities are necessary in evolution of the child’s motor skills. Unfortunately, in recent years there has been a dynamic shift in the cyber domain due to around-the-clock advancement of technology and its widespread availability. According to Rogers (2016), the cyber domain is a direct threat to children because it impedes on them getting the exercise they need to refine their motor skills as technology competes (and often wins) for their time and attention. The lack of exercise leads to childhood obesity and creates developmental issues in adolescence and adulthood.
There has been a 50% increase in the number of children who are obese worldwide and a 32% increase in the U.S. since the 1980s (Moore, Wilkie, & Desrochers, 2017). Childhood obesity brings about a serious health risk and if childhood obesity is not reduced, American children are at risk of living shorter lives compared to their parents (Moore, Wilkie, & Desrochers, 2017). If and when overweight children make it to adulthood, they are faced with health-related problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart complications (Moore, Wilkie, & Desrochers, 2017).
In addition, the National Institute of Health found that children of obese parents are more likely to fail a) tests of fine motor skills, b) measures of social competence, and c) tests of problem solving ability thereby causing an off-track developmental transition (Parental Obesity…, 2017). Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences would argue that there are different forms of intelligence utilized by the human brain that could maintain an on-track development (Herr, 2008). Still, current research indicates that obesity is predominately higher among non-Hispanic black and other minority women, women with lower education, and women who are enrolled in Women, Infants and Children (Fisher et al, 2013). Furthermore, Navalporto et al (2012) found that adverse household socioeconomic conditions are correlated to predominance of obesity in childhood, while the amount of those in low socioeconomic status are higher in underprivileged areas. With regard to the medical model, middle childhood is a fundamental stage for physical development in which children need well-balanced nutrition, positive habits, physical exercise, and intellectual stimulation to endure lasting health (Rogers, 2016).
firework
example_paper.docx
0
