What is a growth spurt?
A growth spurt is a time of fast growth during puberty. You may grow several centimetres in a year.
Girls often have their growth spurt earlier, around 10 to 14. Boys often have theirs a bit later, around 12 to 16. Many girls are taller than boys in the same class for a few years, then boys catch up.
Everyone has their own timetable
Your height depends on your family's genes, your food, sleep and health. When your growth spurt comes is also partly inherited.
Growing early or late is not better or worse. Early growers do not always end up tallest, and late growers often catch up.
Comparing yourself to cousins or classmates is unfair, because you are all on different timetables.
Growing pains and clumsiness
Hands and feet often grow first, so you may feel clumsy for a while. Your brain needs time to catch up with your new size.
Some children get aching legs in the evening or at night. These are often called growing pains and usually go away with rest or a gentle massage.
Helping your body grow
Good food, enough sleep and regular activity help you reach the height your body is meant to be.
There are no tablets, powders or exercises that will make a healthy child grow much taller. Be careful of advertisements that promise this.