Language development supports communication and emotional expression. Early language skills prepare for school reading. Language learning is foundation for literacy development
Children experience major growth spurts, especially in girls. Puberty begins in some 10-year-olds, others take longer. Growing pains and overuse injuries are common. Children need 9-12 hours of sleep each night
Quick shower for 12-year-old takes 15-20 minutes. Unhurried shower can extend up to an hour. Average shower time for girls is 15 minutes
Author was called "hirsute" by teacher during adolescence. Felt mortified when asked to use the word in a sentence. Realized her actual hairiness wasn't as bad as she thought. Experienced shame that lasted into her 20s
Start talking about puberty before teens reach adulthood. Avoid making teens feel embarrassed about hygiene. Use trusted adults to explain puberty and body odor
Lice eggs (nits) are tiny, oval-shaped, yellowish-white spots on hair shafts. Nits can be confused with dandruff or hair spray droplets. Eggs hatch in 6-9 days, nymphs mature in 7 days. Live lice lay up to 8 eggs daily. Nits near scalp are most likely to be infective