11 Years

Milestones

Around 11 years old, many children:

• Social

  • Take care of everyday tasks such as brushing teeth and doing homework
  • Understand the effects of their actions more
  • Begin to rethink their own values and moral principles
  • Begin to take responsibility for their own behavior
  • Become more self-conscious about their image

• Communication

  • Understand and use more advanced words
  • Put together more complex sentences
  • Pair words with facial expressions and gestures for emphasis

• Learning

  • Are more able to challenge ideas
  • Have a better long-term memory
  • Develop solutions and answers based on logic

• Physical Development

  • Have a bigger appetite, particularly during growth spurts or periods of higher activity
  • Begin to show signs of puberty (especially girls)
  • Show improved muscle strength

• Health

  • Have 5 to 9 ounces of grains daily, including whole grains (1 ounce equals ½ cup oatmeal, ½ cup of rice, 5 whole wheat crackers, 1 slice of whole wheat bread, or ½ cup cooked pasta).
  • Have 2 to 3 ½ cups of vegetables daily (such as ½ cup baby carrots, ½ cup broccoli, ½ avocado, and ½ cup sliced peppers).
  • Have 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruits daily (such as 1 medium apple, 1 banana, and ½ cup berries). Fresh, frozen canned or dried all count.
  • Have 4 to 6 ½ ounces of protein daily (1 ounce equals 1 egg, ¼ cup of beans or lentils, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, or ¼ cup tofu). Protein foods include beans, lentils, tofu, nuts and nut butter, poultry, fish, eggs and meat.
  • Have 3 cups of dairy or suitable substitute daily. This includes whole cow’s milk, whole plain yogurt, or unsweetened fortified soy beverage.
  • Drink water at or between meals for thirst.

Act early by talking to a doctor, teacher, or social worker if your child:

• Act Early

  • Can't see things from another's point of view
  • Avoids any type of sport or exercise
  • Seems quiet, shy, and distant in conversation or in class
  • Doesn't spend time with friends outside of school
  • Can't read or tell a short story on their own using full sentences
  • Doesn't want to eat meals with the family