When children start growing into school age, many parents may begin to notice that their child looks smaller than their peers of the same age. Images of lining up at the flagpole with their child often at the end of the line, or when in a group of friends and looking slightly shorter, may not seem like a big deal at first. But seeing this more often makes you wonder, “Will my child grow as tall as their friends?” Height may not be everything, but it is one of the factors that affect confidence and can impact personality or even certain opportunities in life in the future. It is important and not too early for parents to start paying attention and finding ways to care for their child’s growth.
Height is not determined by genetics alone
We may have heard that “If the parents are not tall, the child won’t be tall,” which is only partly true. In fact, genetics affect height, but another part depends on other controllable factors such as eating nutritious food, getting enough sleep, exercising appropriately, as well as the condition of growth hormones in the body. Importantly, childhood, especially before adolescence, is considered a “golden opportunity” for growth because it is the period when the body responds best to stimulation. If we start caring during this time, there is a chance that the child will grow as close as possible to their genetic potential.
Height increase programs: More options than just “waiting to grow”
In cases where parents start to worry about their child’s height or want to promote their child’s full growth potential, there are now systematic care approaches under safe medical supervision that do not always rely on medication. Phyathai Nawamin Hospital offers a “Height Increase Check-up Program” that focuses on personalized analysis by a team of specialists from four fields: pediatric orthopedic surgeons, pediatric endocrinologists, dietitians, and rehabilitation medicine specialists. They work together to comprehensively assess nutrition, exercise, hormones, and bone age. Each child will undergo body composition analysis, hormone tests related to growth, and receive an appropriate care plan without the need for acceleration methods or side effects.
Not just about height, but about promoting potential
Taking care of height during childhood is not just about wanting the child to “look good,” but it also affects overall development, both physically and mentally. Children who feel they are growing well tend to have more confidence and are more expressive. Especially in the era of Gen Alpha children who develop quickly and need to adapt well, building physical potential early on lays a good foundation for the future.
If you feel your child is smaller than their peers, don’t wait until they feel insecure to start caring. Early assessment will help us have complete information and be able to plan height promotion safely and appropriately because “height” is not just a number but another factor that helps enhance your child’s potential comprehensively today and in the future.
