Unlike six-year-olds, whose development is much the same in both sexes, ten-year-old girls and ten-year-old boys develop differently, especially in terms of physical development. Ten-year-old girls begin to experience more growth spurts, growing faster than boys ("Well Child" 2006). Like six-year-olds, ten-year-olds will be awkward and energetic in their physical development. They are also still engaged with their own bodies, and excited about learning how their bodies work (McKesson Corporation 2006). A child at age ten differs from a child at age six in physical development, though, with a new appreciation for physical fitness and a curiosity in drugs, alcohol and tobacco, as well as an appreciation for "bathroom humor" (McKesson Corporation 2006).

While the six-year-old's recent start in school marks their social and intelligence development, the ten-year-old is an old pro-at school by this time. Socially, the need to show off is replaced for the need for approval and acceptance in the ten-year-old. Furthermore, the ten-year-old begins to be defined more and more by his "peer group," in addition to a fascination in the opposite sex (McKesson Corporation 2006). Intellectually, the ten-year-old begins to mark his or her individuality, as well as devoting more interest to books and learning ("Child Developmental Guide: Nine" 2006-2009). At this age, children begin to think abstractly, develop hobbies, and begin to express themselves through creative means, like writing ("Child Developmental Guide: Nine" 2006-2009).

Mentally and emotionally, the ten-year-old is a middle age, stuck between childhood and the preteen years, in much the same way as the six-year-old is stuck between the world of pre-school and middle childhood. Ten-year-olds still seek approval from parents, although their peer groups are of increasing importance. The begin to develop their values and beliefs, and "develop a sense of accomplishment, which centers around the ability to learn and apply skills,...

The ten-year-old begins to become even more self-conscious, and sometimes acts independently, or more like a teenager. This is balanced by the many instances in which the ten-year-old will act like an adult (McKesson Corporation 2006).
Thus, science and medicine has developed very stringent standards for child development, which can easily be accessed through universities, parenting articles, and other medical and scientific resources on the Internet. Although each child is different, and develops differently, developmental milestones like those listed for the six-year-old and the ten-year-old above can serve as a guide for parents. For both six-year-olds and ten-year-olds the developmental process can be difficult. In both age groups, children are caught between two ideal stages of childhood, proving frustrating for them and their parents. After exploring the developmental stages of both age groups, one can understand the importance of being aware of child development.

References

Child Development Guide: Nine to Ten Years." (2006-2009). Retrieved March 6, 2009 from education.com. Web Site: http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Child_Center_Nine/

Child Development Guide: Six to Seven Years." (2006-2009). Retrieved March 6, 2009 from education.com. Web Site: http://www.education.com/reference/article/Ref_Child_Guide_Six/

Child Development Tracker." (2003-2008). Retrieved March 6, 2009, from PBS. Web

Site: http://www.pbs.org/parents/childdevelopmenttracker/six/index.html

McKesson Corporation. (2006). Normal Development: 10 Years Old. Retrieved March 6, 2009. Web Site: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_devtenyr_pep.htm

McKesson Corporation. (2006). Well Child Care at Ten Years. Retrieved March 6, 2009 from the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital. Web Site: http://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/pa/pa_wc10year_hhg.htm