During the 4-to-7-year period, posture becomes more erect;
muscular coordination increases; writing, however, can still be difficult.
Between 6 and 7, the average child learns to print. As they enter school,
children more frequently are exposed to infec- tions, and colds and
nose-and-throat episodes are frequent. Generally, after the first grade, fewer
diseases occur. Age 7 to 12 there is steady but gradual growth during these
years. And this is a period during which sexual development begins. Many girls
enter pu- berty between 10 and 12; most boys, not until 13.
The slowest growth years are those from 7 to 10. At 8, boys
average 51 inches, girls 50. Growth for both continues at about 2 inches
annually until the tenth year. At that point, many girls have a spurt and are
taller at 12 than some boys of the same age. At 12, boys average 59 and girls
60 inches. 456 / Family Preventive Care Weight gain is slow and steady. At 8,
an average boy weighs 60 pounds, a girl 58. Both gain about 6 pounds annually
until the tenth year, when girls start to gain faster than boys. By 12, girls
average 88 pounds, boys 84.
At about 10, as girls begin their preadolescent
growth spurt, their hands and feet may be first to grow. Soon hips broaden,
pelvis widens, and breasts enlarge. Pubic hair appears between 10 and 12 and
some girls begin menstruation. At this age, boys begin to lose fat and move
ahead of girls in muscle strength.
Between 7 and 8, a child tends to become more graceful in
movement and develops greater manipulative skill. Boys now tend to enjoy team
sports such as baseball; girls play hopscotch and skip rope. At 8 and 9,
children show improved coordination, and both manual dexterity and coordination
continue to improve from 10 to 12. Now, for boys, skill in sports is important.
Between 7 and 12, permanent teeth are replacing baby teeth, and by 12 or 13 the
child usually has 28 of his full set of 32 permanent teeth. Children from 7 to
12 need 2,100 to 2,400 calories a day. Well-bal- anced meals are important.
During this same age span, the child develops increased resistance to fatigue
and usually sleeps about 10 hours a night. The Adolescent Years Each child has
a kind of biological clock of his own which determines the time of sexual
maturity. Generally, this will be between 11 and 15 for girls, between 13 and
16 for boys.
