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This is a period of slowed physical growth when typically a lot of energy goes into learning. Children 10- 12 years old love to learn facts, especially the strange ones, and they want to know how things work and what sources of information are available to them.

Friends-a single best friend or a group of friends become very important and influential. What children this age are interested in or will be committed to will often be determined by what "the group" thinks. Children's self-image is determined in part by the extent to which they are accepted by peers, especially popular peers.

This age is perhaps the most important time for parents to focus increased efforts at drug prevention. These later elementary school years are crucial to later decisions about the use of alcohol and other drugs. Research shows that the earlier youngsters begin to use alcohol and other drugs, the more likely they are to experience consequences, as well as become addicted.

Your child will need a clear no-use message, factual information, and strong motivation to resist pressures to try alcohol and other drugs. Be sure to teach your child to "say no" to peer pressure and discuss the importance of thinking and acting as an individual.