Essay On Developmental Milestones

Developmental milestones can be defined as abilities in which children achieve by certain ages. When focusing on the development of children, specific milestones are assessed. These milestones include physical, emotional, cognitive, and social milestones. Although there may be certain age categories for each milestone, it is important to understand that every child is one of a kind. I interviewed my sister, JoAnna, who is an Exceptional Education teacher in Tampa, FL. One of her students, Brianna, is a 13-year-old female with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). She is a 7th grade student that has reached many of her developmental milestones but not all, which may be attributed to her disorder.
During the interview, my sister informed me that she did not know the specifics on Brianna’s personal life but only what she observes in the classroom. During adolescence, girls and boys experience a series of physical growth in which their bodies begin to develop. Around 11-14 years old, puberty begins for girls. Being that
Brianna is 13 years old, she has already reached puberty and she has already had her grow spurt. It is common that adolescents often compare themselves to their peers. Their peers are used to set the standard for what is normal.
For 13 year olds, emotional milestones may include being self-conscious about one’s physical appearance and recognizing the changes in appearance. Body image is commonly influenced by personal feelings and opinions during adolescence. JoAnna stated that her student had concerns about her physical appearance and decided to cut her hair off in anger. This may have been an issue with her own body image. It is common for adolescents to overact to their parents’ questions and criticisms. In addition to personal emotional milestones, adolescents also start to reject their parents’ values and look to their peers for support. Brianna has reached this milestone by making friends, however, she still looks to her mother for support.
Cognitive milestones for adolescents consists of milestones such as thinking hypothetically, logically, being able to self-analyzing, and be understanding of other perspectives.
The interviewee explained that Brianna still has difficulties exploring other possibilities and outcomes, considering her own actions, and problem solving. Social milestones that adolescents achieve are differentiating their personal concepts from their parents’, identifying with peers, being accepted socially, and becoming independent. Another significant social milestone for children aged 11-14 involves sexual relationships. During this age range, children start to have mixed feelings about sex. Brianna has reached the milestones of understanding that her decisions are different from her parents’. She also has made friends within her school, and follows the golden rule for the most part. JoAnna mentioned that respect plays an important role in her students’
lives.