My Child Wants to Grow Taller: What Should I Say?
Helping your child understand growth and feel confident about their height
When Your Child Worries About Height
For most kids, height isn't something they can change, so what do you say if your child worries about how tall or short they are?
Understanding the facts about growth can help you have supportive conversations with your child and set realistic expectations.
The Truth About Growing Taller
Taking care of themselves — eating well, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest — is the best way for kids to help their bodies reach their natural potential.
No pill, formula, or nutritional supplement can increase someone's height. Mostly, our genes determine how tall we will be.
❌ What WON'T Work
- ✗Pills or supplements claiming to increase height
- ✗Special formulas or "growth" products
- ✗Nutritional supplements marketed for height
- ✗Special exercises or stretching routines
✓ What WILL Help
- ✓Eating well — Balanced, nutritious diet
- ✓Regular exercise — Staying active
- ✓Plenty of rest — Growth hormone released during sleep
- ✓Patience — Letting body grow at its own pace
Genetics is the Main Factor
Height is primarily determined by genetics inherited from parents and other family members. While healthy habits help children reach their natural potential, they cannot significantly change the height determined by genes.
Understanding Growth During Puberty
During puberty, boys and girls will have a growth spurt and grow to their adult height. Most teens can expect to grow a total of about 7–10 inches during puberty before they reach their full adult height.
But each person is a little different, so everyone starts and goes through puberty on their body's own schedule. Those who start a little later than their friends will usually continue to grow a little later too.
👧 Girls
Girls who start puberty the latest will still be getting taller in their mid-teens.
Typical pattern: Growth spurt usually begins around ages 10-12, with most growth completed by age 14-15, though late starters may continue growing into mid-teens
👦 Boys
Boys who start puberty the latest will still be getting taller into their late teens.
Typical pattern: Growth spurt usually begins around ages 12-14, with most growth completed by age 16-17, though late starters may continue growing into late teens
Everyone's Timeline is Different
There's a wide range of "normal" when it comes to puberty and growth. Some kids start their growth spurt early, others later. Starting later doesn't mean something is wrong—it just means your child is following their own unique timeline.
Children who are "late bloomers" often continue growing after their peers have stopped, eventually catching up or even surpassing early starters.
What to Say to Your Child
Reassure Them
- •"Everyone grows at their own pace—there's no 'right' time to grow"
- •"Your genes from our family determine your height, not anything you're doing wrong"
- •"You may still have growth spurts ahead of you"
- •"Height doesn't determine your worth, abilities, or success"
- •"Many successful, confident people are shorter or taller than average"
Focus on What They Can Control
Help your child focus on healthy habits that support overall growth and wellbeing:
- ✓Eating nutritious, balanced meals
- ✓Getting regular physical activity
- ✓Getting enough sleep each night
- ✓Taking care of their overall health
Emphasize Their Unique Strengths
Help your child identify their unique talents, skills, and qualities that have nothing to do with height:
- •Academic abilities and interests
- •Athletic skills (many sports don't require height)
- •Creative talents (art, music, writing)
- •Personality traits (kindness, humor, leadership)
- •Friendships and social connections
Key Message
The most important thing is to help your child develop confidence and self-acceptance. Height is just one small part of who they are. By focusing on their controllable health habits and celebrating their unique strengths, you help them build resilience and positive self-esteem that will serve them well throughout life.
When to Talk to the Doctor
If you're concerned about your child's growth, talk with the doctor.
While most children grow at their own healthy pace, sometimes consultation with a healthcare provider can provide reassurance or identify any underlying issues that might need attention.
Consider Talking to Your Doctor If:
📊 Growth Patterns
- • Your child is much shorter than peers of the same age
- • Growth has slowed significantly
- • Your child hasn't started puberty by age 14 (girls) or 15 (boys)
- • Growth pattern seems very different from family pattern
💭 Emotional Impact
- • Your child is very distressed about their height
- • Height concerns are affecting self-esteem
- • Your child is being bullied about their height
- • You want reassurance about growth patterns
What the Doctor Can Do:
- •Plot your child's growth on a growth chart to see if they're following a healthy pattern
- •Compare your child's growth to parents' heights and growth patterns
- •Check for any medical conditions that might affect growth
- •Provide reassurance about normal growth variations
- •Offer guidance on supporting healthy growth
Supporting Healthy Growth
While you can't change your child's genetic height potential, you can ensure they have the best conditions for reaching it.
🥗 Nutrition
- • Balanced meals with protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
- • Adequate calcium for bone growth
- • Vitamin D for bone health
- • Avoid excessive junk food
😴 Sleep
- • Growth hormone is released during deep sleep
- • 9-12 hours for school-age children
- • 8-10 hours for teens
- • Consistent sleep schedule
🏃 Exercise
- • Regular physical activity promotes healthy growth
- • 60+ minutes daily for kids and teens
- • Any activity they enjoy
- • No special exercises can increase height