Late childhood is a period between early childhood and adolescence, typically from ages 6 to 11 years old. Its spelling could be explained by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /leɪt tʃaɪldhʊd/. The first syllable /leɪt/ rhymes with "bait" and means "after the expected or usual time." The second syllable /tʃaɪld/ has the same sound as "child" and refers to a young human being. Lastly, the last syllable /hʊd/ rhymes with "good" and means "a condition or state."
Late childhood, also known as preadolescence or the preteen years, is a developmental stage in human growth experienced between early childhood and adolescence. It typically occurs between the ages of approximately 8 to 12 years old.
Late childhood is a critical time of transition, marked by significant physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes. Physically, children at this stage experience growth spurts, hormonal changes, and often show signs of puberty onset, such as the development of secondary sexual characteristics. Cognitive abilities continue to progress, with greater capacity for logical reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thinking. They can comprehend complex concepts and engage in more advanced forms of learning and problem-solving tasks.
Socially, children in late childhood begin to develop a greater sense of self-identity and independence. They become more aware of societal expectations, peer influences, and relationships outside of the family. Friendships become increasingly important, and group interactions become more complex as they navigate social hierarchies and establish their own sense of identity within a group.
Emotionally, late childhood is marked by increased self-awareness and emotional maturity. Children become more capable of self-regulation and empathy, developing greater emotional resilience. They begin to recognize and manage their emotions more effectively, demonstrating increased understanding of others' perspectives.
Overall, late childhood is a crucial period of development that sets the stage for the subsequent adolescent years. It is a time of rapid growth and significant changes, both physical and psychological, as children prepare for the challenges and transitions of adolescence.
The word "late" has its origins in the Old English word "læt", which meant "slow" or "late". Over time, it came to refer to something happening at a later point in time.
The word "childhood" traces back to the Old English words "cild" (child) and "hād" (condition or state). So, "childhood" refers to the condition or state of being a child.
When these two words are combined, "late childhood" refers to the later stage or phase of childhood. This period typically comes after early childhood but before adolescence, signifying a particular stage in a person's development.