Steve Cowan

10+ Year Olds: Intellectual Development



At this age and stage of development, preteens and teens are extremely smart but often struggle with sound decision making because the prefrontal cortex of the brain is undergoing significant growth and development well through the early 20’s!



That’s right parents! Brain growth and development in your child is not done until they are in their early 20’s! This is Extremely. Important. to recognize and understand. Because while academically this age group is very very smart, they are actively in what Psychologist Jean Piaget defines as the Formal Operations Stage of Development.

During this time, while thought processes are certainly developing and becoming more advanced, the mind/spirit connection can easily be affected by hormonal and emotional influences happening simultaneously in the body thus making it very challenging to stay grounded and centered in times of increased stress and anxiety.

Knowing what we know about the physical and intellectual stages of development for preteens and teens, how are our team of Pediatric Ninja Specialists supporting children on and beyond the mats to flourish in these areas?



1. Nurturing Physical Abilities


👍 By engaging preteens and teens in activities that require the application of power and mechanics, their musculoskeletal system is able to flourish in its development of strength and coordination as the body acclimates to physical changes. Further, through the practice of activities that require a focus upon the details of movement, preteens and teens alike are able to build greater momentum in their movement with increased accuracy.



2. Exercising Mental Toughness


👍 It goes without saying that preteens and teens face some hard decisions as they move through their final stage of childhood development into adulthood. Thus, engaging them in activities that require them to practice healthy decision-making when under pressure is critical. Beyond decisions of right vs. wrong, nurturing mental toughness on the mats also lends itself to strengthening their ability to think abstractly when it comes to problem solving how to get something done or resolved.



3. Encouragement


👍 By supporting Ninjas in a nurturing environment where they are safe to grow into their developing mind and body, preteens and teens are able to explore and set measurable, achievable goals for themselves on the mats that build confidence and excitement for the ambitions and drive they have in their passions beyond the mats as well! For when they see the fruits of their hard work and achievements, goals beyond the mats do not seem as far out of reach because they have learned how to break down their goal into achievable steps to ultimate completion!

Every part of why we do what we do is with the purposeful intention of ensuring the whole mind, body and spirit of your preteen and teen is supported.
.
Right now we are enrolling New members for this age group in our 10-14 year old Martial arts programme.
.
Call today 01603 929588 or check out our age specific site in the Bio

2 years ago | [YT] | 1