According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average American 12-year-old boy is 58 inches tall and weighs 90 pounds. The typical height and weight of 12-year-old girls in the United States are quite similar, at 59 inches and 93 pounds respectively.
Annual Rates of Children grow an average of two inches per year between their third birthday and the start of adolescence. However, both male and female children’s growth rates can be quite variable. While some children grow at a relatively constant rate from childhood until adolescence, the vast majority undergo growth spurts in which their growth rate rises for a brief period.
Genetic Variables Genetics plays a significant effect in a child’s growth rate and height. A child’s growth rate is mostly determined by the genes inherited from their biological parents. It is more likely that their children will be taller than usual if one or both parents are taller than average.
Effect of Puberty on Growth Many children have already begun to experience puberty by the age of 12. During the two to five years of puberty, a child’s growth rate often accelerates considerably, reaching up to four inches per year. Therefore, 12-year-old girls are on average one inch taller than their 12-year-old male counterparts. Girls typically enter puberty between the ages of 8 and 13, while boys typically reach puberty between the ages of 9 and 15.
Parental Concerns Parents who are concerned about their child’s atypical growth are advised to schedule regular visits with their child’s physician. A physician will monitor the child’s height and weight, identify any abnormalities, and communicate with the parents about the child’s progress. In certain instances, a paediatrician may refer a kid to a paediatric endocrinologist, a specialist in growth issues.
Encouraging Normal Development Children’s growth rates may also be influenced by their lifestyle decisions during youth. Children who get enough sleep, consume nutritious meals, and exercise regularly are more likely to develop normally and healthily. The average child requires between 10 and 12 hours of sleep per night to be properly rested and have sufficient energy to develop normally. In addition, a nutritious diet and daily exercise, such as biking, rollerblading, or athletics, can assist youngsters in maintaining a healthy weight as they continue to develop.
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