Final answer:
Parents refer to their six to twelve-year-old child as being in 'middle childhood' (ages 6-10) or 'pre-adolescence'/'tweens' (ages 11-12), each with distinct developmental characteristics affecting cognition, social behavior, and emotional well-being.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term parents are using to describe their six to twelve-year-old child is in the context of their developmental stage which is usually referred to as 'middle childhood' for ages 6 to 10, and 'pre-adolescence' or 'tweens' for around ages 11 to 12. During middle childhood, children experience significant cognitive and psychosocial development, showing increased self-awareness, improved language skills, and the ability to concentrate for longer periods. Their self-esteem can be quite fragile during this period as peer acceptance plays a crucial role.
Once they enter pre-adolescence, children begin to develop the ability to think abstractly and understand the world in less binary terms. Cognitive, psychosocial, and emotional changes are profound during this stage, laying the groundwork for the impending teenage years. Understanding these developmental stages can help parents, educators, and caregivers to better support their children's growth and well-being.