The primary difference between a child and a teenager lies in their age and the associated developmental stages.
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Age Range:
- Child: Generally refers to a person from birth to around 12 years old. This stage encompasses early childhood (0-5 years) and middle childhood (6-12 years).
- Teenager: Refers specifically to individuals aged 13 to 19 years, a period known as adolescence.
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Physical Development:
- Child: Growth is often steady, but it is more focused on basic motor skills and physical coordination.
- Teenager: Experiences puberty, which brings about significant physical changes, including growth spurts and development of secondary sexual characteristics.
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Cognitive Development:
- Child: Typically developing concrete thinking; learning is often through play and direct experiences.
- Teenager: Begins to develop abstract thinking and critical reasoning skills; they can contemplate complex issues and consider different perspectives.
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Emotional and Social Development:
- Child: Emotional experiences are often simpler and more directly tied to immediate circumstances; social interactions are usually centered around family and close friends.
- Teenager: Experiences more complex emotions and greater independence; peer relationships become significantly more important, and there may be an exploration of identity.
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Responsibility and Independence:
- Child: Generally relies on parents or caregivers for guidance and support, with limited responsibility.
- Teenager: Begins to take on more responsibilities, such as part-time jobs or driving and may make more independent choices.
These distinctions highlight the evolution of individuals as they transition from childhood to the teenage years, reflecting broader physical, cognitive, and emotional changes.
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