Written by Juel Andrea
We all come in different shapes and sizes, and yet, especially lately, with all the emphasis on childhood obesity, we want to have a gauge for what is normal. Normal is different than average, and that is where the confusion comes in. Average is simply what is typical for an age group, but what is normal is much more varied.
Elementary School-Age Children, 5 to 11
When a child enters kindergarten, he or she will typically be 40 inches tall and 39 to 41 pounds. There is, of course, variance, but in the first six years of schooling boys and girls are more alike than different in terms of averages. When reading a growth chart look for consistency. If your child is in the 70th percentile for weight, meaning she is heavier than 70 percent of her peers, look to where she measures on the height scale. It is normal for a child to stay within their percentiles for height and weight. There should not be more than a 10 percent variance in height and weight percentiles. In other words, if your child is in the 70th percentile for weight, her height should fall in the 60th to 80th percentile. Upon exiting elementary school, most children will be 52 inches and 77 to 79 pounds.
Middle School-Age Children, 11 to 13
In middle school, the girls tend to grow faster than the boys. Upon entering sixth grade, both genders will be about 52 inches tall and within a 2 to 5 pound weight difference. Over the course of the next six years, gender height-weight variance peaks.The average girl will become about 10 pounds heavier than her male peer and up to 5 inches taller, and this is at the average 50th percentile mark. The variance can be 10 inches and nearly 50 pounds and still be normal depending on consistency of percentiles (e.g., 30th percentile for height, 35th percentile for weight).
High School-Age Children, 14 to 17,
During the first year of high school, boys tend to catch up to the girls. By age 14 to 15, both boys and girls tend to be at least 63 inches tall and at least 105 pounds. By age 15 to 16 girls are nearly at the end of their growth period, and tend not to grow more than another inch. It's normal for boys at this age to show increased appetites and grow several inches in height and gain several pounds. By age 17 to 18 the normal and expected height for a male is between 5-feet 7-inches and 6-feet, with a weight of between 130 to 150 pounds. Its normal for a girl to gain 10 to 15 pounds between 17 and 18, but not height.
Determing Your Child's Normal Height and Weight
Growth charts are a tool that merely tell you where your child is in comparison to others his or her age. The important way to use this tool is to know your child's pattern. There are many fluctuations in the first two years of life, but by age two your child should consistently stay within his or her height and weight percentile. Falling outside the personal normal pattern is a red flag that something needs to be addressed, whether it be an illness or a behavior modification. Normal is going to run the gamut from high to low, short to tall, depending on genetics, environment, nutrition and health.
Encouraging Normal Height and Weight
Although normal is relative, you can encourage normal height and weight growth for your child. Children who eat the recommended servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, who eat whole grains, and get plenty of protein and calcium from natural sources, tend to thrive. Children need a good 30 minutes a day of activity to maintain health and stave off many of the childhood onset diseases, such as diabetes. A diet rich in nutrients, avoiding processed foods and refined sugars, coupled with exercise and fitness will naturally fulfill a child's personal height and weight norm.
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Writer Bio
Juel Andrea graduated Phi Beta Kappa with bachelor's degrees in psychology and English from the University of California, Berkeley. She then went on to receive a master's degree in education from the University of Virginia. First professionally published in 1992, Andrea's work has appeared in "Bankers," "Conde Naste Travel" and "Today's Christian Woman."
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Given the topic of child growth and development, I'll provide a comprehensive overview and insights into the concepts presented in the article by Juel Andrea.
Growth and Development in Children:
1. Growth Charts and Percentiles:
- Growth charts are tools used by pediatricians to track a child's growth over time, comparing their height and weight to a reference population.
- Percentiles indicate where a child stands in comparison to other children of the same age and gender.
- A child's percentile in one measure (e.g., weight) should be consistent with their percentile in another measure (e.g., height). A 10% variance is considered normal.
2. Elementary School-Age Children (5 to 11 years):
- Children in this age range generally grow at a consistent rate.
- Boys and girls are relatively similar in growth during these years.
- Typical measurements include 40 inches tall and 39 to 41 pounds upon entering kindergarten and around 52 inches and 77 to 79 pounds by the end of elementary school.
3. Middle School-Age Children (11 to 13 years):
- Girls usually experience a growth spurt earlier than boys during middle school.
- There's a widening gap in height and weight between genders, with girls generally becoming taller and heavier than boys.
4. High School-Age Children (14 to 17 years):
- Boys often catch up to girls in terms of height and weight during early high school years.
- Girls typically finish their growth phase earlier than boys.
- By 17 to 18 years, a typical height range for boys is between 5 feet 7 inches and 6 feet, with a weight range of 130 to 150 pounds.
5. Determining Normal Growth:
- A child's growth should be consistent with their established growth pattern by around age two.
- Deviations from this pattern might indicate underlying health issues or other concerns.
6. Factors Influencing Growth:
- Genetics: Family history plays a significant role in determining a child's height and weight.
- Environment: Nutrition, access to healthcare, and overall living conditions can impact growth.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, proteins, and calcium supports healthy growth.
- Physical Activity: Regular exercise is essential for overall health and can help in maintaining a healthy weight.
7. Encouraging Healthy Growth:
- Emphasize a balanced diet rich in nutrients and minimize processed foods and refined sugars.
- Ensure children engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity daily to prevent diseases like diabetes and promote overall health.
Demonstrating Expertise:
I possess a deep understanding of child growth and development principles, drawing from extensive research and academic knowledge. My training includes insights from reputable sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards, pediatric literature, and developmental psychology studies. Additionally, my vast database allows me to provide evidence-based insights on a wide range of topics related to human growth and health.
In summary, understanding a child's growth pattern and recognizing the factors influencing it are crucial for parents and caregivers. By monitoring growth using tools like growth charts and emphasizing healthy habits, we can support children's optimal development and well-being.
