Questions and Answers
What is the middle childhood age range?
6 to 12
What are the growth trends of middle childhood?
Boys and girls gain a little over two inches in height per year and five to seven pounds in weight each year.
In middle childhood, the average child's body weight ____.
doubles
How do school children burn the most calories?
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How many calories does the average 4-6 year old need?
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What composes a nutritious diet?
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What percentage of children in middle childhood are obese?
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Over the past 20 years the prevalence of obesity among children has ____.
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Who is more likely to be overweight: Latin American or European American boys?
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Who is more likely to be overweight: African American or European American girls?
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What other health issues accompany obesity in childhood?
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Most obese children will 'outgrow the baby fat'.
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What social issues may overweight children encounter?
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How does heredity play a role in obesity?
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What other factors contribute to children's overweight/obesity apart from heredity?
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Study Notes
Middle Childhood Overview
- Middle childhood encompasses the ages of 6 to 12, bridging early childhood to adolescence.
Growth Trends
- Children gain approximately two inches in height each year during middle childhood until the growth spurt begins.
- Average weight gain ranges from five to seven pounds annually.
- Children grow taller and leaner rather than stocky during this period.
Caloric Needs
- Average daily caloric intake: 1,400 to 1,800 calories for ages 4-6; 2,000 calories for ages 7-10.
- Increased energy expenditure in physical activities and play requires higher caloric consumption compared to preschool years.
Nutrition
- A nutritious diet includes fruits, vegetables, fish, lean poultry, and whole grains while limiting fats, sugars, and starches.
- Many school cafeterias tend to serve foods high in sugar, animal fats, and salt, diverging from healthier options.
Gender Differences in Growth
- Boys are generally heavier and taller than girls until about age ten, after which girls experience an early growth spurt.
- By age 11, boys start to develop more muscle, while girls increase body fat.
Obesity Prevalence
- Between 16% and 25% of U.S. children and adolescents are classified as overweight or obese.
- The prevalence of obesity among children has doubled over the past 20 years.
Demographic Insights
- Latin American boys have a higher likelihood of being overweight compared to European American boys.
- African American girls show a higher tendency toward obesity than their European American counterparts.
Health Risks Associated with Obesity
- Obese children face increased risks of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, breathing problems, joint issues, fatty liver disease, gallstones, and acid reflux.
- Long-term risks include elevated chances of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.
Misconceptions About Weight
- Many parents mistakenly believe that heavy children will naturally outgrow their baby fat, while most overweight children tend to remain overweight into adulthood.
Social Challenges
- Overweight children often face social rejection, reduced participation in sports, and perceptions of unattractiveness during adolescence.
Heredity and Obesity
- Genetic factors influence obesity; individuals may inherit tendencies for higher fat accumulation or more efficient calorie burning.
Contributing Factors to Obesity
- Childhood obesity is exacerbated by consumption of sugary beverages, unhealthy school and childcare food options, aggressive marketing of unhealthy foods, and insufficient physical activity.
Income and Access Issues
- Children from low-income backgrounds may face limited opportunities for physical activity and access to healthy, affordable food options, contributing to obesity trends.
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Description
Test your knowledge on middle childhood development with this quiz. Explore key concepts such as the age range and growth trends during this crucial developmental stage. Perfect for educators and students alike!
