Ignoring bodily changes before puberty

According to Times of India, puberty is a period of rapid height growth, but its onset varies among children. Parents might miss signs of early puberty or growth issues if they do not observe their child's bodily changes. For clear signs of early puberty or significant shifts in height growth, parents should seek a medical evaluation for their child.

Focusing only on weight

Consistent weight gain does not guarantee good height development. Focusing on weight alone can lead parents to overlook slow height growth. Therefore, it is important to monitor both a child's height and weight over time. The World Health Organization (WHO) also uses age-specific height and weight indices to assess growth in children.

Parents should regularly monitor their child's height. *Kim Uyen*

Insufficient physical activity

Spending much time sitting for study, watching tivi, using phones, or playing video games, with little physical activity, can impact bone and muscle health, as well as weight. Regular physical activity strengthens muscles, reinforces bones, and helps maintain a healthy weight. Children do not need intense workouts; daily activities like running, jumping, walking, cycling, swimming, or age-appropriate sports suffice.

Frequent late nights

Sleep is vital for bodily recovery and the secretion of growth hormone. Lack of sleep or irregular sleep patterns can affect a child's health and development. Using phones, tablets, or watching tivi close to bedtime can also make it difficult for children to fall asleep. According to FirstCry Parenting, parents should maintain relatively consistent sleep and wake times, limit electronic devices before bedtime, and create a calm, suitable sleep environment.

Unbalanced diet

Children require adequate energy, protein, vitamins, and minerals from a varied diet. Prolonged deficiencies in energy, protein, or certain nutrients can impede growth. Meals should be diverse, including: protein from meat, fish, eggs, milk, and legumes; vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats. Parents should not arbitrarily eliminate whole food groups due to concerns about weight gain.

Le Nguyen (Compiled)