Height is largely a genetically determined factor and is influenced considerably by diet and physical workout routines.
In addition to this, there are physical deformities, limitations and diseases that can adversely affect an individual’s growth.
Hormonal disturbances can also affect the pituitary gland’s ability to produce the growth hormone which can lead to stunted growth.
In absence of these disorders, a rough idea of an individual’s height can be determined by using the height of its parents. There are several ways of doing this.
Formula 1
Applying a simple formula to approximate the height of an individual is a great way to determine the height of an individual. This isn’t a proven way but this can be tried to see if one gets the desired results.
Add the mother’s height and the father’s height. Make sure that both the heights are in the same units of measurement, either in inches or in centimetres. Now add five inches to the sum if the child is a boy. If the child whose height you’re calculating is a girl, subtract five inches from the sum. Divide the resultant number by two.
Formula 2
Another popularly used method whose accuracy is not scientifically proven is to double the measurement of the height of the girl at the age of eighteen months. This can provide a rough idea of the height that the child can attain. For boys, doubling the height that they attain at the age of two years of age is used.
Formula 3
The “two years times two” method for predicting your child’s future height is as easy as it sounds. The drawback is that you need to wait until they are two years old or find the measurements you took then. This method has been used for a long time, though no research is available to back up its accuracy.
To predict your child’s height with this method, figure out how tall your child is or was at age 2 then multiply that height by 2. The result is their predicted height. For example, if your child is 34 inches tall when they are 2 years old, it is possible for them to be 68 inches (5 feet 8 inches) tall as an adult.
Remember
As mentioned earlier, height is largely determined by genes and comparing your child to others is not the best thing to do. In the adolescent years, children don’t only grow physically but their mental makeup also undergoes several changes and comparison or unrealistic expectations can completely ruin things for your child. You should always remember that every child grows at its own pace and is physically unique. Constantly pushing your child to do better or comparing him/her to other children of the same age group can be extremely taxing for the child and can lead to the development of feelings of inadequacy and a lower self esteem.
