Grade School (5-12 Years)
Your child’s intellect and body will grow by leaps and bounds. WellStar will help you keep up with developmental changes. If your child has specific health concerns, from emergency care to annual checkups and sports exams, we’re here to provide very best medical care through childhood to puberty and beyond.
Development
Your child is bigger, more coordinated, and more independent. Your child’s growth will likely appear more gradual and steady. You may notice:
- Slimmer appearance: As body size increases, the amount of body fat stays relatively stable.
- Child's legs are longer in proportion to the body.
- Height increases a little over two inches per year, on average.
- Weight gain aver ages about 6.5 pounds a year.
- Faster growth around ages six to eight, and appearance of a small amount of pubic hair.
- Genetics influence growth pattern; parents' stature is likely to be reflected in their child's.
- How close a child is to puberty affects growth rate
- Timing of growth varies by individual: Typically, height differences among classmates range from four to five inches.
- Nutrition is important to normal growth; appetite increases during growth spurts.
- Exercise is critical for normal physical development
Pre-Puberty Changes
- Stronger with more muscle mass
- Motor skills— both strength and coordination—will improve (from tying shoelaces to throwing a baseball accurately).