How to Know What Is Normal for a 7 Year Old

Host: A year old, usually could ride a two wheeler, is that true? Dr. Henry Hasson: Yeah, they should start being able to learn and a lot of that is matter of being taught, if a child is not taught, I am sure they won't be able to. With some work and some encouragement by the parent they should be able to learn that. Host: I don't like this, some negative thoughts, they can express in a pretty good way now, is that true? Dr. Henry Hasson: Yeah and they are going to start demanding things and they are going to start refusing and seeing what happens when they refuse parents' wishes. And this is again another just an opportunity for parents that teach them, how to be better members of society and contribute and respond appropriately. Host: Well they get about nine or ten, okay, at that point they get very coordinated, they have ideas and interests are getting better structured, they can use references, books what not, their skills are getting better and they are about to go into a new age the dreaded age pretty soon of adolescence, is that true? Dr. Henry Hasson: Yeah, and even the new terms about the twin age or whatever it is, and a lot of times in our society the way children are developing adolescent -- Dr. Henry Hasson: You call it the twin age? Dr. Henry Hasson: The Twin, yeah it's a new term that people are using, people have been noticing that teenagers that the pre-teens are acting like teenagers are acting, and even at 10-11 years old look, a lot of 10-11 year olds already have cell phones and are playing video games and going out with their friends and there is a lot of pressures from school and a lot that we expect from children nowadays, and it's important to realize that -- parents and all always realize that these 10 and even 11 year olds are being exposed to a lot of things that we weren't exposed to before 16 and recognizing that and talking with parents a lot of times and I see these billboards and -- Host: So they grow up too quickly, is that true? Dr. Henry Hasson: Sometimes it could be too quick. In social development it is very important at this age and it's going to affect their life, social skills and it's very important for parents to really be talking to them at this age about peer pressure, about drugs, about sex, alcohol. All sorts of things that you would never expect, they are only ten-years-old. But they are really starting, by 11-12 they are really getting into this. When the parent talks to them first, it's something that can be very helpful for them. Host: A good parenting rule is create a situation you can talk, going out. If they do something inappropriate and they come to you and you hear it, not from another source you can't get crazy or they will never come to you again, is that true? Dr. Henry Hasson: Yeah, your first reaction is going to tell them what they can do next time. So if they come and tell you something and your reaction is something that they don't want to see again, they are not going to come to you the next time they have a question or they have an issue. If your first reaction is very supportive and reassuring of course not allowing them to do everything they want but just teaching them in a way that's comfortable for them that they will be able to learn properly, that's going to be very constructive for the next coming years. Host: If anybody hears about the growth and development of children at our website, it doesn't have children, don't listen to this you may not want to have children. Dr. Henry Hasson: Right, yeah, look and don't forget, teenagers can be very difficult, there is a lot issues going on, but they also can be very enjoyable. The younger age kids, when you are spending most of your time disciplining and toilet training and getting them do their homework now, you can start developing more relationship with your children and going on trips together, family time together and it's really helpful for children. Host: So, the best rule, communicate, don't lose your cool, it's a very difficult ride, if a kid doesn't do something, exactly what we said and the book say. Look at the overall picture and most likely the kid will be okay.