Height and Weight

• Children grow rapidly between ages 3 and 6 but less quickly than in infancy and toddlerhood.

• Child’s shape becomes more streamlined

• On average, children add 2 to 3 inches in height and about 5 pounds in weight each year in early childhood.

• Children gradually become thinner and leaner

• Boys continue to be slightly larger than girls; have more muscle tissue

• Individual differences in body size are more apparent during early childhood than in infancy and toddlerhood.

• Muscular and skeletal growth progresses, making children stronger.

• Cartilage turns to bone at a faster rate. Bones harden , giving the child a firmer shape and protecting the internal organs.

• Posture and balance improve, fostering gains in motor coordination.

• The increased capacities of the respiratory and circulatory systems build physical stamina and, along with the developing immune system, keep children healthier.

Body Awareness

• Increase of proprioception – body’s awareness of space

• With self-awareness comes body image

• Dissatisfaction with body image in children

• Do children have a sense of sexuality?

  • Natural exploration of the human body

  • Don’t overreact or shame children

  • Teach about respecting privacy

• Infancy (0-2): curiosity about the body; no inhibitions around nudity; touching genitals (publicly or privately)

  • Parental advice: teach correct names of body parts; provide basic info about male and female bodies; teach how to respectfully interact with peers; provide very simple answers to questions about the body

• Early childhood (2-5): exploration with kids of the same age; questions about sexuality or reproduction; curiosity regarding adult bodies; continued lack of inhibition around nudity; use of slang terms for body parts and functions

  • Parental advice: provide basic info about reproduction; teach basic understanding of privacy and when behaviors are appropriate; explain the difference between wanted and unwanted touch; discuss boundaries