As a parent, it’s often difficult not to show concern when your child seems a little shorter than other taller kids of the same age. In rare instances, stunted growth can be cause for concern, especially if your child’s growth decelerates for no reason.
Put simply, your child grows steadily, and then suddenly falls off the growth bandwagon. In such a case, a child who was in the 5th percentile for normal height goes to the 1st percentile for ordinary height. Often, that implies there are underlying issues that you should be concerned about. Your child’s slow growth could be due to genetic issues or a medical problem that is stifling his growth.
The Normal growth process
Growth hormones cause growths. That means taller kids have enough of the growth hormone, which is why some kids have a height that is appropriate for their age. As a child grows, he will become more aware of his looks. This happens because you are constantly monitoring him right from infancy until he attains the right height.
Kids begin to notice other taller kids, and they start being concerned with how to grow taller. This happens mostly when your child is taking part in activities where height is an important consideration. For example, there are theme parks where a child below a certain height won’t be allowed to ride.
A child who is learning how to swim also notices the difference between the pool’s depth and his height. Taller kids will begin to notice that they can walk to the deeper end of the pool without their heads going under water. As a result, shorter kids will want to grow taller, so they begin to ask questions on how they can grow some height and match other taller kids.
As apparent, you are probably wondering what steps you should take to help boost your child’s growth process. Your child’s maximum height depends on genes. Therefore, that means that if you are tall, your child is most likely to grow tall compared to children whose parents have an average height.
How to Grow Taller with the Help of Sleep
Adequate sleep is important in your child’s mental and physical development. If you are wondering how sleep causes your child to grow taller, it’s because growth hormones are secreted during sleep.
Thus, if your child isn’t getting enough rest, he may not be giving his body the required amount of time to recharge and develop. Children between age 3 and 5 require more than 11 hours of good sleep every night. Those between age 5 and 10 do very well with 10 hours of sleep. Pre-teens or teenagers between 10 and 17 years thrive on just 8 hours of sleep
How to Grow Taller with the Help of Nutrition
Proper nutrition not only helps your child grow strong but also helps his body maximize its ability to develop. Incorporating protein in your child’s diet makes a huge difference. Also, ensure that your child diet includes vitamins as well as minerals by giving him a lot of vegetables and fruits.
How to Grow Taller with the Help of Exercise
Exercise also helps your child’s body gain strength, fight excess weight and develop muscles. In addition, physical activities help boost the development of growth hormones, which will result in the development of dense bones.
Stretching activities also elongate your child’s backbone and improve his posture, which makes him taller and straighter.
Talk to your Kids about Growth
Kids don’t grow at the same rate. Like adults, some kids are short while others are tall. In general, girls reach puberty much earlier than boys do, although some girls develop a little slow when it comes to getting a first period and breast development. All this is quite normal.
Encourage your kids not to compare themselves with taller kids. Otherwise, drawing attention to the difference in height will make them feel bad about their height. If medical conditions do not slow your child’s growth, explain to him why he is smaller than his friends are.
It will also help if you explain that kids grow at different rates. Moreover, talking to your child will help to explain the many changes children go through as they grow. However, if you feel uncomfortable talking to your child about growth, he may end up feeling that being short is shameful.
If you can explain it yourself, have your child talk to his doctor. A professional will be in a good position to address all the questions your child may have regarding height and growth.
Wrap Up
If there is something you need help with concerning growth, consult your child doctor. He will look at your child, inquire about your family’s background and possibly order additional tests to find out if your child has a medical condition that is interfering with his growth.
https://www.verywellfamily.com/growth-hormone-to-make-kids-taller-2634507
https://sg.theasianparent.com/womens-gym-injuries
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/childs-growth.html#catgrowth
http://www.healthkart.com/resources/4-exercises-kid-grow-taller/#.XGfKa6BS-00