Parents are rejoicing now that their children are back in school. In the days leading up to the start of school, most parents prepared their children psychologically for the new year. However, some parents weren't prepared for the surprise when they picked up their children and saw how much their classmates had grown over the summer holiday.
Did other parents secretly "do their homework" during the summer? Or is there an issue with their own child's growth and development?
A child's height changes are individualized and vary from person to person, so parents do not need to be overly anxious if their child is shorter than their classmates.
This is because if a child develops early and rapidly, their bone age matures quickly as well. This kind of rapid growth isn't necessarily positive as it can end relatively quickly as well.
To help parents learn more about the secrets of their child's growth, pediatric endocrinologist Dr. Wang Shuying explains a child's growth management below.
Bone age is an important diagnostic method for understanding a child's height. Bone age can be understood as the age of the skeleton. Compared to chronological age, bone age is a more precise assessment standard for the degree of skeletal development. In assessing growth and development, bone age is more valuable than a child's age.
Bone age testing can provide valuable clues for finding the reasons why a child may be growing slower (or faster) than their classmates.
Picture source：Bigstock
If your child has any of the following issues, it may be advisable to get their bone age tested:
Short stature
Children whose height is significantly shorter than their peers, falling in the lower third percentile among those their age.
Slow growth rate
If a child's growth rate is below the following standards, it may be worth getting tested:
● 0-2 years old：
At this age, a child's growth rate is usually relatively fast, increasing about 30-35 centimeters over two years.
● 2-4 years old：
The growth rate should be 5.5-9 cm per year.
● 4-6 years old：
The growth rate should be between 5-8.5 cm a year.
● 6 years old until puberty：
The growth rate should be 4-6 cm per year for boys and 4.5-6.5 cm for girls.
● During puberty：
The growth rate should be 8-14 cm a year.
A late growth spurt
Bone age testing is an important method for determining whether a late growth spurt may occur. Children who experience late growth spurts typically have a delay in bone age, usually between 1 and 1.5 years and not exceeding 20% of their actual age.
Picture source：Bigstock
Growth in Premature or Small Infants
Genetics
Genetics influences a child's rate of growth and development, and assessment can help understand if there are issues and come up with a management plan.
Precocious puberty
Children with precocious puberty often experience rapid development, leading to their bone age exceeding their actual age. A bone age assessment can help predict if this will impact their adult height.
Overweight/Obesity
Weight is an important factor affecting development. Children who are overweight or obese are prone to early development and advanced bone age. Excessive advancement in bone age can potentially impact their adult height.
Extracurricular Needs
If your child is involved in sports or dancing, where height is influential, bone age testing can be performed.
Pediatrician
Pediatrician, Associate Chief Physician
Dr. Yang graduated from the
Department of Pediatrics at Capital Medical University in 1997. She then worked at the ER and NICU at China-Japan Friendship Hospital for 15 years and as a general pediatrician at New Century Women's & Children's Hospital. She is an expert at diagnosing and treating common pediatric diseases, including newborn babies, allergic diseases, and children's growth and development.
She has over 20 years of professional experience as a family medicine physician and pediatric endocrinologist.
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