capable of concrete, logical thought

mastery of higher skills: arts, math, athletics

skills support stronger sense of self: “I can do it!”

strong feelings about issues and events they do not fully understand

sexual awareness further defines sense of self

begins to form meaningful relationships outside the family

peer relations important; need for conformity, belonging

begins to understand the concept of a biological family

understands implications: to be adopted means one was first given away

early positive feelings turn to uncertainty

sense of loss; grieving for birth parents

may romanticize his birth parents

discomfort with being “different”

asks more difficult questions: Why am I adopted? Where are my birth parents?