'Why Is My Child Short?'

Two experts address a common concern of parents who feel that their child is shorter than other kids her age: “Is my child ‘short-short’ or ‘normal-short’?”

- Pank Jit Sin And Lim Teck Choon

Some parents worry that their children aren’t eating enough. Others worry that their children aren’t pooping enough. If there is one concern that unites most parents, however, it’s the worry that arises when their child seems shorter than other children her age.

SHORT-SIGHTED ABOUT SHORTNESS?

One thing worried parents should realize is that appearances can be deceiving. Medically, a short child is defined as one whose height is less than the 3rd percentile on the appropriate growth chart. In other words, whether the child is short or not can only be determined by comparing her height against the standard height of a child her age in the appropriate growth chart. Some parents may find this challenging to do correctly, so the best person to consult on this matter is the paediatrician.

THE TALL & SHORT OF THE MATTER

Speaking at a children’s growth awareness event, Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Yazid Jalaludin said it was important for parents to keep a log book or diary to chart their children’s growth – both height and weight. Parents usually only take note of their child’s statistics when they pay a visit to the paediatrician’s clinic. These visits can be few and far between. Therefore, to help gauge a child’s growth, parents can note down their children’s height and weight at regular intervals and bring the diary along during clinic visits.

He adds, “A child’s growth pattern should not be taken as a cosmetic or appearance issue only. Growth is a key indicator of a child’s health and wellbeing.”