The developmental stage in kids, within the age of six and twelve is known as Middle childhood. A child during this age needs proper growth emotionally, physically, socially and cognitively. It is found that when the baby teeth begin to fall, the height and weight of a child increases. Gradually the strength of their muscles increases and at the age of about 8 years they can start playing in groups.
Health Issues at this Age
Issues that most kids face at middle childhood depend on major factors like heredity, nutrition, gender and culture among others.
- With the growth of fine and gross motor skills, mobility and judgmental skills also grow. These can be a result of injuries and even fatal accidents, if proper safety measures are not taken.
- Other common issues include allergy, asthma and most importantly obesity.
The American Lifestyle and its Effects
The total number of obese children in the US has augmented radically in the current years. 10 % of children between 4 and 5 years are obese; the rate has doubled as to what it was 20 years ago.
Different ways to counteract the Issues
It’s a duty of the parents and teachers to look into this matter:
- The focal point proper fitness and good health. Teachers must educate and form optimistic attitudes headed to physical activities.
- Parents must provide daily meal and snacks, inspire to eat frequently but only healthy food and keep a strict eye on amount of junk food taken.
- Parents should carefully plan sensible portions, using the Food Guide Pyramid for young children, as a guide.
Works cited:
Preventing Childhood Obesity: Tips for Parents. (n.d.). Retrieved May 09, 2013, from Department of Health: http://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/resources/obparnts.htm
Ryan, K. O. (2008). Middle Childhood: Physical Growth & Development. Chicago: Magna Systems.
