The last and final stage of Jean Piaget’s cognitive development for children into adulthood focuses on increase in logical thinking, deductive reasoning, and thinking about abstract ideas and situations. In addition, they also have the ability to systematically plan for the future, and even derive multiple solutions to just one problem through scientific methods. Let us take a closer look at some of the more distinguished qualities for this stage.
- Deductive reasoning and problem solving: In this stage, children will use a formal logic to deduce a solution based on a premise that is true. For example: A>B, B>C, therefore, A>C. With a combination of mathematics and scientific capabilities, these applications are used in conjunction to derive solutions to a problem. In addition, when deductive reasoning is not used, children will also use their imagination to derive multiple solutions to a problem. A famous question was asked by Jean Piaget to children in various age groups if given a third eye, where would it be located. Younger children generally stated that it should be on the forehead somewhere, compared to the more imaginative older children who stated that it could be located on their hands to see around corners, or located in the back of their heads to see behind them.
- Abstract thoughts: Children in this age group will begin to think about some abstract topics that they have not thought of, such as love, hate, friendship, trust, respect and so forth. It is a good exercise for parents to communicate with the children and discuss these topics so they would have an idea of what they are and how they feel about them. Other interesting topics to trigger their thoughts may include moral, ethical, and philosophical ideas.
- Behavioral changes: As parents may know, puberty hits children at around this age (12 years old). Hormonal, psychological, and physiological changes take place all at once. Therefore, it is imperative that parents communicate what children may expect to them so they may know what to expect at a certain level. Children may tend to focus more on their appearance, they may want to spend more time with their friends, than at home and so on. It is normal for them to experience this and parents should expect their children to be more independent rather than dependent on them. Indeed, parents may want to over-protect them, but with the right balance, parents will be able to communicate and trust their children to do the right things.
In the end, we all want what is best for our children. By staying informed about their cognitive development and taking steps to keep them safe, we can support their growth and development into confident, independent adolescents. Our product such as Baby Car Safe can help us do that in a smart and effective way.
Article references:
www.verywellmind.com/formal-operational-stage-of-cognitive-development-2795459