Which of the following describes the overall pattern of self-esteem in middle childhood?

a. It rises throughout middle childhood as children's gross motor abilities advance and then takes a dive at the end of middle childhood when puberty starts to set in.
b. It dips slightly at the beginning of middle childhood because children are entering elementary school, and then it rises and falls throughout middle childhood, especially as children change grades in school.
c. It rises at the beginning of middle childhood as children make strides in motor and cognitive development but then dips when they enter school and begin to have homework.
d. It dips slightly at the beginning of middle childhood because of children's more realistic notions about their abilities, but quickly recovers and remains high for the rest of middle childhood.

Answer: D