CHARACTERISTICS OF CHILDREN

General Characteristics

1. Interested in people: aware of differences, willing to give more to others, but also expect more.
2. Busy, active, full of enthusiasm, may try too much, interested in money and its value.
3. Sensitive to criticism, recognize failure, capacity for self-evaluation.
4. Capable of prolonged interest.
5. Decisive, dependable, reasonable, strong sense of right and wrong.
6. Spend a great deal of time in discussion. Often outspoken and critical of adults although still dependent on adult approval.

Physical Characteristics

1. Very active: need frequent breaks from tasks to do fun and energetic things.
2. Bone growth is not yet complete.
3. Some may mature early, may be insecure about their appearance or size.
4. Often accident-prone.

Social Characteristics

1. Start to develop close ties with friends outside of the family and start to seek independence.
2. Very choosy about friends; acceptance by them is important.
3. Can be competitive.
4. Team games become popular.
5. May try to emulate popular sports heroes and TV and movie stars.

Emotional Characteristics

1. Very sensitive to praise and recognition; feelings are hurt easily.

2.      Because friends are so important during this time, there can be conflicts between adults’ rules and friends’ rules. Mentors can help with honesty and consistency.

Mental Characteristics

1. Fairness is very important to them.
2. Eager to answer questions and look for a positive response to their ideas.
3. Very curious; like to collect things but may jump to other objects of interest after a short time.
4. Want more independence but look for guidance and support.
5. Reading abilities vary widely.

Developmental Tasks

1. Social cooperation.
2. Self-evaluation.
3. Skill learning.
4. Team play.

Suggested Volunteer Strategies

1. Recognize allegiance to friends and heroes.
2. Help them understand responsibilities in a two-way relationship.
3. Acknowledge and praise performance and affirm often.
4. Offer enjoyable learning experiences; share ideas about different cultures and fun facts about geography to broaden their sense of the world around them.
5. Provide frank answers to questions.