A Case Study of a Child

Age 12
Lori Hyland
EDU 220 - 1003
 Physical Behaviors
GIRLS BOYS

Breasts develop Genitals grow

Pubic, leg, and armpit Pubic, armpit, chest, leg,

hair grow and facial hair begins

Menstrual periods Nocturnal emissions

begin begins

Growth peaks Voices change

Growth peaks

Medline (2017)
Typical Physical Development
by Snowman
Growth Spurt Puberty
Puberty in girls begins between
Rapid and uneven
ages 7-13
Girls grow quicker than
Puberty for boys begin between
boys
ages 9-13 and a half
Average growth is 2-4
Girls ages 11-13 develop pubic
inches a year
and underarm hair and breasts
Average weight gain is 8-10 grow bigger
pounds a year
Boys ages 11-13 pubic hair
Girls appear older than develops and testes and scrotum
boys grow

Snowman, J. & Boys and girls become curious

McCown, R. (2013) about sex
 My 12 Year Olds Physical
Behaviors/Characteristics
The 12-year-old boy I
observed is in 7th grade and fits the
typical pattern of physical
development. However, he is a
little shorter than the average 12-
year-old boy and shorter than most
girls in his classes. Also, his voice
has not changed yet. Overall, he
seems to be developing normal
physical characteristics for a boy
his age.
 Physical Development
Recommendations
Adults should be willing to answer any
questions their children may have about the
physical changes they are going through
(Medline, 2017).
Adolescents should be allowed to separate
from parents at times and spent time with
their friends and peers in order to form their
own identity (Medline, 2017).
Adolescents are self-conscious about their
bodies physical changes and should not be
criticized or compared to others (Medline,
2017).
 Emotional Behaviors
Typical Characteristics
Often gets angry
Resents having to follow orders
Hates following routines
Moody and dramatic
Exaggerates their own views
Often worries, cries, and feels afraid
University of
Washington. (1993)
 Typical Emotional
Development by Snowman
Due to increased hormones and
rapid physical changes, 12 year
olds feel intense emotions, such as
anxiety, mood swings, and low
self-confidence

Self absorbed and concerned with

appearances, including what to
wear, who to be seen with, and
how to fit in and talk among peers
and others

Thinks that adults cant understand Snowman, J. &

McCown, R. (2013)
their feelings
 My 12 Year Olds Emotional
Behaviors/Characteristics
The 12 year old I observed fits all of the typical
emotional characteristics for his age group. He often gets
angry, especially when told that he has to follow the rules. He
intentionally disobeys rules from adults and argues when
confronted. He tries hard to be popular and worries about
what others think about his clothing and appearance. In
addition, he is self-centered and thinks that everything people
say is directed at him. On the other hand, he does get moody
and storms off at times to be alone.
 Emotional Development
Recommendations
Allow the child to help set his or her
own rules and make their own
decisions

Parents shouldnt make a big deal

about the childs moodiness and
should understand that exaggerated
positions are expected for that age
group

Be supportive and considerate of

your childs emotions and feelings
University of Washington.
(1993)
 Cognitive/Intellectual
Behaviors
Typical Cognitive Characteristics
Increased capability of using logic
Challenges what adults know
Wants to earn money
Doubts their artistic capabilities
Develops an interest in the world and enjoys taking part
in community activities

University of
Washington. (1993)
 Typical Cognitive/Intellectual
Development
Piaget
The last stage is called formal
operational because students at
this stage can generalize from a
particular instance to a general
form (Snowman, J. & McCown,
R., 2013, p. 27).
Ability to manipulate
relationships mentally
Ability to use more complex
language
Vygotsky
Vygotskys theory of cognitive
development is often referred to
as a sociocultural theory
because it maintains that how
we think is a function of both of
social and cultural forces
(Snowman, J. & McCown, R.,
2013, p. 32).
What and how they think is a
result of cultural influences
Culture passes on
psychological tools that help
them learn
 My 12 Year Olds Cognitive
Behaviors/Characteristics
The 12 year old I observed is a high ability student
intellectually. He is able to generalize concepts, compare and
contrast, understand sarcasm and analogies, and solve
problems mentally. In addition, he has had positive social and
cultural influences. He has developed an interest in his
community and in the world around him. He also likes to earn
money by helping out around the house. He is involved with his
community through church activities.
 Cognitive/Intellectual
Development
Recommendations
Praise and encourage children for their academic successes
Accept a childs weaknesses and build upon his or her strengths
Help them learn to make better choices and teach self-discipline
Come up with ways the child can earn money
Support their interest in community activities

Child Development University of

Institute (2015) Washington. (1993).
 Psychosocial/Social
Behaviors
12 year olds are skeptical of adults and difficult to live with
They have unrealistic ideas of independence
They have great interest in joining teams, playing
competitive games, and joining clubs

University of Washington.
(1993)
 Typical Psychosocial/Social
Development by Erikson
12 year olds are learning the roles and needed skills
that will prepare them for the adult world

It is important to avoid role confusion by establishing a

sense of stability in their lives

It is important that this age group learn appropriate

behaviors and integrate roles through various situations
in order to experience stability in their sense of identity
(Snowman, J. & McCown, R., (2013, p. 19).
 My 12 Year Olds
Psychosocial
Behaviors/Characteristics
The 12 year old I observed is often
critical of his parents and difficult to live
with. He always wants to be independent
and thinks that he can do everything by
himself without any guidance from his
parents. He loves playing sports and is
very competitive when it comes to games
and challenges. In addition, he plays on a
soccer team and practices regularly.
 Psychosocial/Social
Development
Recommendations
Respond to the child in a routine manner
Demonstrate warmth and love
Develop routines and guidelines
Read books together and spend time talking with the child
Support good health and practice safety
Use fair and reasonable discipline

Center for Disease Control and

Prevention. (2017)
 Moral/Character Behaviors
12 year olds have a desire to fit in to the morals of their
peer group

University of Washington. (1993)

 Typical Moral/Character
Development by Kohlberg
12 year olds are in stages 3-4, which is called the
conventional morality stage.
Children in stages 3-4 tend to conform to societal rules
Stage 3: The child chooses actions in order to impress
others. For example, if you tell the truth, you will make your
parents happy. This is called the good boy, nice girl stage.
Stage 4: If we do not obey the laws, everything will fall apart.
This is called the law and order stage.

Snowman, J. & McCown, R. (2013)

 My 12 Year Olds Moral
Behaviors/Characteristics
The 12 year old I observed definitely likes to conform to
his peers and fit in with others in his same age group. He
wants to be popular, so he will sometimes make bad decisions
just to fit in and get the approval of his friends.
 Moral/Character Development
Recommendations
Help the child to recognize and understand group morals
without judgment

Understand that it is important for the child to join a peer

group

Teach the child that bad things happen if you make bad
choices

University of Washington. (1993).

 References
Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017). Child development.
Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/facts.html

Child Development Institute (2015). The ages and stages of child

development. Retrieved from
https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/ages-stages/#.WR3Id_QrLrc

Medline (2017). Adolescent Development. Retrieved from

https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002003.htm

Snowman, J. & McCown, R. (2013). ED PSYCH. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth,

Cengage Learning.

University of Washington. (1993). Child development: Using the child

development guide.
Retrieved fromhttp://depts.washington.edu/allcwe2/fosterparents/training/chi
dev/cd06.htm