Physical Development in Early, Middle & Late Childhood

Defining the "typical" child can be difficult. Every child is unique; if she is not developing exactly according to the average expectations, it may mean nothing. "Normal" differs from child to child.

Milestones

• Milestones are defined by three categories: early childhood, middle childhood and late childhood. The body focuses on different areas of growth and development during each age range.

Early Childhood

• Early childhood

  From ages 2 to 7, the average child will see slower growth from the years before. The average rate of growth for this age is 2½ inches and about 7 pounds per year. The body is focusing on brain and nervous system growth; gross and fine motor skills develop.

Middle Childhood

• Middle childhood

  From 8 to 11 years old is considered middle childhood. With puberty comes rapid physical growth. The child eats more at this time, the voice starts to change and the need for sleep increases.

Late Childhood

• Late childhood

  Once a child enters late childhood, ages 15 through 18, many will have completed puberty and reached adult height. Development slows, and there are less variations in development among peers.

Facts

• Physical development differs slightly between the genders. During early childhood, boys will begin to develop muscle, while girls will add fat at this stage. Often, height increases will occur with girls before it does with boys.