the bodies of 6-to-11-year-olds become more muscular and athletic growth spurts occur and motor skills vastly improve the brain also grows dramatically these kids perform more complex tasks and understand concepts such as rea- capacity is expanded and they think more independently as golinkoff explains in her communication and critical thinking these children start to gain indepen- enables these kids to make numerous friendships through mutual interests adolescence introduces the onset teens are eager for more indepen- dence and strive to understand their own individuality teenagers are turning into young peers are major influencers for this including vetted peers in family activi- provide positive independent thinking classic games traditional games can help your child learn through play these games will boost their abilities in areas such as skills and independence suggested activities suggested activities hangout place physical activity • hide-and-seek • scavenger hunts obstacle course • catch • hopscotch jump rope • hand-clap games • dance party • races time-restricted finding the right activities for your family will aid in your children's devel- opment of skills and strengthen your family's bonds community support check your local newspaper school or social media for listings of fun activities playgrounds.-sm sarah madewell is a nurse and writer learning the 6 c's educate your child using community nonverbal communication learning to learn standing how to analyze data imagination and creativity to solve problems in new ways
