What Is Growth?
From the moment parents greet their newborn, they watch the
baby's progress eagerly, anticipating every inch of growth and
each new developmental milestone along the way. But how can they
tell if their child is growing properly?
A child's physical growth refers to the increases in height
and weight and other body changes that occur as a child matures.
Hair grows; teeth come in, come out, and come in again; and
eventually
puberty
hits. It's all part of the growth process.
What's Normal?
The first year of an infant's life is a time of astonishing
change. During this time, a baby will grow rapidly. On average,
babies grow 10 inches (25 centimeters) in length while tripling
their birth weights by their first birthday.
Given all the growth that occurs in the first year of life, new
parents may be surprised when their child
doesn't
continue to grow through the roof. But no child continues the rate
of growth experienced during infancy. After age 1, a baby's
growth in length slows considerably, and by 2 years, growth in
height usually continues at a fairly steady rate of approximately
21/2 inches (6 centimeters) per year until adolescence.
No child grows at a perfectly steady rate throughout this period
of childhood, however. Weeks or months of slightly slower growth
alternate with mini "growth spurts" in normal children.
Kids actually tend to grow a bit faster in the spring than during
other times of the year!
A major growth spurt occurs at the time of puberty. Usually kids
enter puberty between age 8 to 13 years in girls and 10 to 15 years
in boys. Puberty lasts about 2 to 5 years. This growth spurt is
associated with sexual development, which includes the appearance
of pubic and underarm hair, the growth and development of sex
organs, and in girls, the onset of
menstruation
.
By the time girls reach age 15 and boys reach age 16 or 17, the
growth associated with puberty will have ended for most teens and
they will have reached physical maturity.
At the Doctor's Office
Beginning in infancy, a child will visit a doctor for regular
checkups. At each of these visits, the doctor will record height
and weight on a
growth chart
, which shows how the child's height and weight compare with
that of other kids the same age. This valuable tool can help the
doctor determine whether a child is growing at an appropriate rate
or whether there might be problems.
What Parents Can Do
You can do a few things to help ensure that your child grows and
develops normally. The following are critical to kids' overall
health and wellness:
-
enough rest:
Sleep
patterns vary by age and individual child, but most kids need an
average of 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night. Sleep gives growing
bodies the rest they need to continue growing properly.
-
proper nutrition:
A balanced
diet
full of essential vitamins and minerals will help kids reach
their full growth potential.
-
adequate exercise:
Because
obesity
is a problem for many kids, parents should make sure that
their kids
exercise
regularly and eat healthy. Bicycling, hiking, in-line skating,
sports, or any enjoyable activity that will motivate kids to get
moving will promote good health and fitness and help them
maintain a healthy weight.
Talking to Kids About Growth
Kids differ in growth and development during childhood - just
like adults, some kids are taller or shorter. Generally, girls hit
puberty earlier than boys, although some girls might lag behind
their peers in breast development and the onset of menstruation.
All of this is usually completely normal.
Try to avoid comparing growth among siblings or other children.
Drawing attention to height, for example, will only make kids feel
self-conscious about their size. Encourage your kids to accept
their own growth and development. Explain that some kids grow and
develop at different rates - and late bloomers usually catch up
eventually.
Children have many questions about growth, from why their teeth
fall out to difficult or potentially embarrassing topics like
breast development or perspiration. Answer questions honestly and
even initiate conversations about growth to help kids understand
the many changes they're facing. This will help them accept the
changes positively.
If you're uncomfortable discussing these topics, your
kids may interpret that to mean there's something shameful
about the changes they go through and they may be less likely
to bring their concerns to you.
Kids who are short often face teasing by peers and may need help
coping. You can help by supporting your child's
self-esteem
. For example, although it might be difficult for a small boy to
make the football team, emphasizing alternatives, such as soccer or
tennis, may make him feel better about himself and what he can do.
A small teen might have concerns about dating, driving, and
participating in sports. It's important to try to understand
your child's feelings and to keep the lines of communication
open.
Another way to boost your child's mood is to encourage
activities that don't focus on height or weight. Emphasize
special talents or individual qualities, such as musical aptitude
or a love of literature.
If You Suspect a Problem
Some parents worry about their child's growth and
development, but it can be reassuring to know that most kids who
are short or delayed in development are healthy and normal. For
example, shorter parents tend to have shorter children and not all
kids develop at the same rate.
If you have concerns, the first step is to consult your doctor,
who can thoroughly evaluate your child and your family history and,
if necessary, order tests to see if there's a medical condition
affecting growth. The doctor may choose to monitor your child's
growth more frequently on a growth chart or refer your child to a
pediatric endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in
growth disorders
) for further evaluation.
Reviewed by:
Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: November 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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