As parents of little ones, you're likely tracking the milestones: first steps, first words - and yes, "How tall is my 2-year-old?" probably crosses your mind more than once. It's natural to wonder if your child is on track, especially when they seem smaller (or taller) than other kids their age.
If you've just reviewed our guide on the average height and weight for teenagers, you already know how much their bodies can change during the teenage years. But what about the periods before that, ages 6 through 12, when children's growth is steadier, yet an important foundation for health and development are being laid?
Is my teen growing at a normal rate? As a parent, it's completely normal to wonder whether your teen is growing at the right pace. After all, the teenage years are marked by some of the most dramatic physical changes in a person's life, second only to infancy in terms of rapid growth. From sudden growth spurts to changing body composition, these years can feel like a whirlwind of transformation.
Between the ages of 9 and 17, your child will experience a big growth spurt when their body can grow 3 to 4 inches per year. During this peak growth phase, bones are actively lengthening, growth plates are wide open, and the right nutrition can mean the difference between reaching genetic potential and falling short.
Remember when the kids' supplement shelf was just Flintstones vitamins? Now it's a full-on jungle of "height maximizers," "growth gummies," and bottles promising your 8-year-old will dunk by middle school. With so many options, it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the endless claims of magic pills to boost your child's height. And with the kids' supplement market booming-growing over 18% in 2021 alone-parents everywhere are trying to figure out what actually works for their children.
You're rushing through dinner prep when your picky eater turns up their nose at broccoli, resulting in another night of chicken nuggets. Sound familiar? As parents, we all want our kids to thrive, but between busy schedules and mealtime battles, ensuring healthy nutrition can feel daunting.
