Support Natural Growth and Development
As a parent or caregiver, you don’t need to worry about your child growing normally – it will happen. Children have a natural way of growing and they know how much they need to eat to support their growth during different stages of development.
Understanding Your Child’s Growth
Your child’s body shape and size are mostly influenced by genetics. Just like eye color or hair texture, they’re likely to take after other family members—whether that means being big, small, or somewhere in between.
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to “normal” height and weight. What matters most is that your child is growing steadily along their own unique growth curve. Even if they fall above the 97th percentile or below the 3rd, that can still be completely healthy and normal for them.
Understanding Your Child’s Eating
Your child will not eat the same as they grow and develop. One day they might eat next to nothing, and the next, it feels like they’re eating everything in sight. That’s to be expected.
Here’s what else to expect:
-
If a child doesn’t get enough food—or worries they won’t—they may become preoccupied with eating and overeat when food is available.
-
If a child is pressured to eat when they’re not hungry, they may lose interest in food and eat less overall.
The key is to trust your child’s natural ability to eat and offer meals without pressure.
When to Seek Support
If your child’s weight or height suddenly jumps up or down on their growth chart, it could signal a disruption in their growth pattern. This doesn’t always mean something is wrong—but it’s a good reason to check in.
Consult a healthcare provider who understands child growth and feeding dynamics. They can help rule out any underlying health, nutrition, or feeding concerns and guide you toward next steps, if needed.
Trusting Your Child’s Growth
If your child is bigger or smaller than their peers, it’s natural to feel concerned. But trying to control their growth by pressuring them to eat certain foods or specific amounts is likely to backfire.
The most supportive approach? The Satter Division of Responsibility in Feeding:
-
You decide what, when, and where food is offered.
-
Your child decides how much to eat, or whether to eat at all.
This structure helps children tune into their own hunger and fullness cues—so they can grow in a way that’s right for their body.