About This Age Group

Here’s a handy list to help you better understand the age development of your preteens and young teens:

Growing Physically

• are generally healthy
• are active and like to do things
• can’t sit still for long
• approaching or in puberty

Growing Emotionally

• can understand other people’s opinions and feelings
• can feel insecure
• set a high standard for themselves
• are more aware of personal shortcomings
• generally dislike outward displays of affection

Growing Socially

• need relational and social interaction
• are competitive
• can exhibit negative behavior, such as bullying or teasing
• can accept rules and limits for behavior
• want to be like the group
• give new importance to friends of the same gender and pets
• are strongly concerned about fairness
• can accept responsibility
• need acceptance and encouragement
• enjoy humor
• like having someone to look up to

Growing Mentally

• are inquisitive
• can think and reason; compare and contrast
• have mastered basic reading and writing skills
• memorize easily
• develop special interests
• can work steadily for long periods
• like competition and challenges

Growing Spiritually

• understand the elements of the Christian faith
• are able to understand the history and chronology of Scripture
• are developing a value system
• are finding out what it means to belong to Christ and his church
• are learning to serve and show love to others on a deeper level
• need encouragement in daily devotions
• are learning to put into practice what they know from God’s Word