Parent talking with a young child about growth and development

Understanding Growth in Children

By Lefkothea Karaviti, MD, PhD

Growth is one of the clearest windows into a child’s overall health. While children grow at different rates, the pattern of growth over time often tells us more than any single number on a chart.

Pediatric endocrinologists look not only at how tall a child is, but how they are growing—whether growth is steady, slowing, or accelerating compared with what we expect for that child’s age, family background, and stage of development. Growth charts help us follow these patterns over time and decide when reassurance is appropriate and when closer evaluation is needed.

Many growth concerns turn out to be normal variations. Others may reflect underlying hormonal, genetic, or medical conditions that benefit from early identification. The goal of evaluation is not always treatment—it is understanding what is normal for your child and what, if anything, needs attention.

If you are worried about your child’s growth, asking questions early can provide clarity and peace of mind. Sometimes the most important step is simply making sure a child is growing in a healthy, expected way—and knowing when to watch, when to wait, and when to act.