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Emotions & Behavior

Staying Healthy

Contact Rainbow

General Phone Number

216-844-8447
216-844-Rainbow Appointments
216-844-3911 Patient Info

Mailing Address

11100 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44106

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Emotions and Behavior

Is it just a phase or a serious problem? Help your child cope with life's ups and downs, from dealing with divorce to preparing for new siblings. Or find out how to understand your child's behavior, whether it's toddler tantrums or teenage depression.
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Your Child's Growth

From the moment parents bring a new baby home from the hospital, they watch the baby's progress eagerly, anticipating every inch of growth and each new developmental milestone along the way. But how do parents know if their child is growing properly?

What Is Growth?

A child's physical growth refers to the increases in height and weight and other body changes that occur as a child matures. Hair grows; teeth come in, come out, and come in again; and eventually

A major growth spurt occurs at the time of puberty. Usually kids enter puberty between age 8 to 13 years in girls and 10 to 15 years in boys. Puberty lasts about 2 to 5 years. This growth spurt is associated with sexual development, which includes the appearance of pubic and underarm hair, the growth and development of sex organs, and in girls, the onset of growth chart. This chart shows the doctor and parents how the child's height and weight compare to that of other children the same age. This valuable tool can help your child's doctor determine whether your child is growing at an appropriate rate or whether there might be any problems.

What Can You Do?

There are several things you can do to help ensure that your child grows and develops normally. Make sure he or she gets the following, which are critical to your child's overall health and wellness:

  • enough rest - diet full of essential vitamins and minerals will help your child reach his or her full growth potential.
  • adequate exercise - Because exercise regularly, as well as receive proper nutrition. self-esteem. For example, although it might be difficult for a small boy to make the football team, emphasizing alternatives, such as soccer or tennis, may make him feel better about himself and what he can do. A small teen might have concerns about dating, driving, and participating in sports. It's important to try to understand your child's feelings and to keep the lines of communication open.

    Another thing you can do to boost your child's mood is to encourage activities that don't focus on height or weight. Emphasize special talents or individual qualities, such as musical aptitude or a love of literature.

    If You Suspect a Problem

    Parents sometimes become concerned about their child's growth and development, but it can be reassuring to know that most children who are short or delayed in development are healthy and normal. For example, shorter parents tend to have shorter children and not all kids develop at the same rate.

    If you're concerned about your child's growth, the first step is to consult your child's doctor, who can thoroughly evaluate your child and your family history and, if necessary, order some basic lab tests to see if there may be a medical condition affecting growth. The doctor may choose to monitor your child's growth more frequently on a growth chart or refer your child to a pediatric endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in Steven Dowshen, MD
    Date reviewed: November 2007

Feelings and Emotions

Return

Your Child's Growth

From the moment parents bring a new baby home from the hospital, they watch the baby's progress eagerly, anticipating every inch of growth and each new developmental milestone along the way. But how do parents know if their child is growing properly?

What Is Growth?

A child's physical growth refers to the increases in height and weight and other body changes that occur as a child matures. Hair grows; teeth come in, come out, and come in again; and eventually

A major growth spurt occurs at the time of puberty. Usually kids enter puberty between age 8 to 13 years in girls and 10 to 15 years in boys. Puberty lasts about 2 to 5 years. This growth spurt is associated with sexual development, which includes the appearance of pubic and underarm hair, the growth and development of sex organs, and in girls, the onset of growth chart. This chart shows the doctor and parents how the child's height and weight compare to that of other children the same age. This valuable tool can help your child's doctor determine whether your child is growing at an appropriate rate or whether there might be any problems.

What Can You Do?

There are several things you can do to help ensure that your child grows and develops normally. Make sure he or she gets the following, which are critical to your child's overall health and wellness:

  • enough rest - diet full of essential vitamins and minerals will help your child reach his or her full growth potential.
  • adequate exercise - Because exercise regularly, as well as receive proper nutrition. self-esteem. For example, although it might be difficult for a small boy to make the football team, emphasizing alternatives, such as soccer or tennis, may make him feel better about himself and what he can do. A small teen might have concerns about dating, driving, and participating in sports. It's important to try to understand your child's feelings and to keep the lines of communication open.

    Another thing you can do to boost your child's mood is to encourage activities that don't focus on height or weight. Emphasize special talents or individual qualities, such as musical aptitude or a love of literature.

    If You Suspect a Problem

    Parents sometimes become concerned about their child's growth and development, but it can be reassuring to know that most children who are short or delayed in development are healthy and normal. For example, shorter parents tend to have shorter children and not all kids develop at the same rate.

    If you're concerned about your child's growth, the first step is to consult your child's doctor, who can thoroughly evaluate your child and your family history and, if necessary, order some basic lab tests to see if there may be a medical condition affecting growth. The doctor may choose to monitor your child's growth more frequently on a growth chart or refer your child to a pediatric endocrinologist (a doctor specializing in Steven Dowshen, MD
    Date reviewed: November 2007

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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