Description
The School-age child’s growth and development refers to the change or growth that occurs during the period of time from 5-12 years of age. It is a period of time when the child continues growing physically, emotionally, and mentally as well as sexually.  It is a time of growing independence and of development of a moral standard.

Statistical studies show the following:
Most girls experience a prepubescent growth spurt around age 9 or 10, while most boys experience the same growth spurt around age 11 or 12.  Girls at this stage of life tend to weigh more than the boys. 

Signs and Symptoms
The school age child grows physically, emotionally, cognitively and sexually 
Physical Growth & Development
 •  The average school age child continues to have bone, muscle, fat, skin growth as he continues to grow older.  It is during this time that some children begin to develop changes related to puberty. While girls develop breasts, and may start menstruating, boys start having hair growth and odor.  The onset of puberty is individual with some boys starting as early as nine years old, and girls as early as seven years old.  With the start of puberty quick height and weight gain is common. 

Physical Development:
Both the male and the female child are noted during this period of their life to become stronger, coordinated and agile.  Their fine motor skills are sharpened allowing for improved hand and fingers control. 

Emotional Development:
Some children develop fear and anxiety from school due to academic or social issues.

It is the time that developing close friendships is very important as they offer support during the changes both physically and academically.  The child also tends to gravitate towards his friends as the family influence wanes. 

Cognitive Development
Reading skills greatly improve, and logical thinking becomes more prevalent. The child also develops the ability to solve more complex problems.

Questions to ask the expert
 •  How many years do you have experience dealing with school-age children
 •  Is your experience with the normally developed child or those with deficits.
 •  Can your recommend after school programs that will enhance my child’s development
 •  Certificates and Licenses 
 •  References

General Tips
 •  Seek medical attention if the child’s physical and/or cognitive development is significantly delayed.
 •  Encourage the child to minimize playing videos and computer games but rather stress the importance of exercise and physical activity to enhance his heart function, maintain a healthy weight, strengthen as well as boost confidence.
 •  The importance of communicating with your child is tantamount to healthy relationship with him or her
 •  Make sure your child eats nutritiously, a balanced diet that has protein and healthy carbohydrates while limiting fat and simple sugars
 •  Have your child follow a set sleep schedule
 •  Discuss with your child the dangers of drugs and as the child begins puberty be open to share your concerns with your child. You must set boundaries and limits to all behaviors and exposure to certain issues depending on the child’s developmental stage and maturity.
 •  Be involved in your child’s life, talk to his teachers, peers, and other school personnel.
 •  Grounding and “time out” may be the best way to discipline the school age child

List of Products & Services
 •   Spark ™ Crazy Chemistry Lab
Teaches the basics of chemistry and the scientific method

 •   Ready Set Learn! Paz's Talking Cash Register
Give your child valuable role-play experience as they run their own store and keep tally of the cash! Teaches basic math and problem-solving skills

 •   Popular Mechanics for Kids DVD Set
Embark on the coolest, wildest and weirdest adventures in the world of science. Twenty-four episodes of the award-winning children's program take you on a thrilling quest to discover the science of how things work. From the depths of the ocean to the seat of a high-speed roller coaster, it's an exciting adventure that inspires the curiosity of kids and adults alike.

 •   Fashion Design Studio
Design 3-D fashions from concept to creation – and make miniature masterpieces that are ready for the runway.

 •   Illuminated W.O.R.D. Touch Screen Game
Love word play? This hand-held game puts four sure-fire favorites in your palm.

Books and Publications
 •  School-Age Ideas and Activities for After School Programs (Paperback)
 
 •  Caring for Your School Age Child: Ages 5-12 (Child Care) (Paperback)
This newest child-care guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics concentrates on the middle years of childhood

 •  Caring for School Age Children (Paperback)
Introduces the reader to the people in child care; the children; the families; and then shows how caregivers can help children in various competencies throughout different stages of childhood. Soft cover.

 •  Dr. Spock's The School Years: The Emotional and Social Development of Children (Paperback)
The sequel, Dr. Spock's The School Years, addresses the preschool years through adolescence, tackling issues like sibling rivalry, education, popularity, discipline, drugs and alcohol, peer pressure, stress, interfering grandparents, calling parents by first names, TV violence and real violence. Spock's tactful wording, measured opinions and respect for family and cultural diversity are apparent throughout the book