Late childhood is the period of time approximately between age 9 and age 12. Children in late childhood are active problem solvers, learning to function more independently in the world. They are learning to process information faster, their memory improves, and they begin to develop greater impulse control. A father who positively influences an older child's cognitive development by role-modeling confident problem-solving behaviors allows his child to fail and learn from her mistakes.
Providing a Secure Environment
A child must have his basic needs--including food, shelter, love and security--met for cognitive development to be optimal. A father who contributes to meeting these basic necessities also teaches children how to be responsible adults. Fathers who meet a child's basic needs allow her room to grow to her full potential cognitively by providing a safe environment so the child does not have to worry about protecting or feeding herself.
Changes in the Brain
During late childhood, children's brains are developing at a rapid rate. Important changes occur, including thickening of brain neurons and increased speed of synaptic connections that allow children to think more like adults. A May 2005 study published in "The Journal of Early Adolescence" finds that fathers who are active hands-on parents model problem-solving techniques while giving children in late childhood the opportunity to experiment with new things.
Learning by Making Mistakes
Children in this stage of development need to experiment, making mistakes while they perfect their technique in a variety of activities. Fathers who are tolerant of their children making mistakes provide them the opportunity to refine their cognitive skills during late childhood. According to the website Father Institute, fathers who are actively involved in their children's lives tend to have children who achieve more in school by the time they are young adults.
Learning by Watching
Children in late childhood are capable of learning vicariously, or by watching others and applying what they see to a new situation. Fathers who have an active parenting style are ideal role models for their children. A father who participates in sporting activities with his child, for example, models strategy, approach and application of sporting techniques to his child, who observes, applies and develops her own approach to the sport.
References
- "The Journal of Early Adolescence"; Parent and Peer Attachment in Late Childhood and Early Adolescence; A. Nickerson, et al.; May 2005
- Father Institute; Outcomes of Father Involvement; April 2005
- University of Florida; The Common Roles of Fathers; Garret D. Evans, et al.
- Midwestern State University: Socioemotional Development in Middle and Late Childhood
- "Child Development"; Maturation of Cognitive Processes From Late Childhood to Adulthood; Beatriz Luna, et al.; October 2004
