Boys and girls at the age of 12 often show a keen interest in their height. While the average height for girls is around 59 inches [1] and for boys is around 58 inches [2], it is normal for children to be shorter or taller than the average.
At 12 years old, girls are typically in the middle of the puberty process, while boys are at the beginning. This makes it an important time to encourage your child to follow methods that can promote their height and overall health.
Eat a nutritious diet
12-year-olds should have a balanced diet consisting of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and two healthy snacks to provide their bodies with sufficient energy and support growth. It is important to include foods from the five main food groups: lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, grains, and dairy, to ensure they receive essential vitamins and minerals for growth.
Opt for fruits and vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, potatoes, blueberries, strawberries, and apples. Include lean proteins like fish, chicken, and eggs, which can aid in growth. Choose whole wheat bread, pasta, or cereals to obtain enough grains. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are good sources of essential nutrients.
Having two healthy snacks between meals is important as it helps prevent children from resorting to unhealthy junk food. Some good snack options include apple or orange slices, yogurt, and low-fat string cheese.
Stay hydrated throughout the day
Just like proper nutrition, adequate hydration is crucial for promoting growth. While water is the best choice, fruit juice (without added sugar), milk, or sparkling water can also be consumed.
Boys at the age of 12 should aim to drink about 9-10 cups of fluid per day, while girls of the same age should drink around 8 cups. If they are physically active or in hot weather, they may need to drink more to stay properly hydrated. Additionally, consuming water-rich foods such as vegetables and fruits can contribute an additional 2-3 cups of water to their daily intake.
Maintain a healthy weight
Excess weight puts additional stress on the intervertebral discs of the spine, which can hinder optimal height growth. Uncontrolled weight gain can also increase the risk of obesity and related health issues. As parents, it is important to be role models for your children and help them maintain a healthy weight through proper nutrition and regular exercise.
Get sufficient rest
There is a connection between sleep patterns and growth, not only in children but also in adults. Adequate sleep is another factor that can contribute to height and overall growth. It is highly recommended for 12-year-old boys and girls to aim for 9-12 hours of sleep each night and take a short nap of around 30 minutes during the day if they feel tired.
During sleep, the body releases and stimulates the production of human growth hormone (HGH), which is crucial for muscle development and natural height increase. Additionally, sleep supports overall body recovery and growth.
It is important to maintain a consistent bedtime routine, especially on school nights. Encourage your child to relax by turning off electronic devices at least an hour before bed to promote better sleep quality.
Stay physically active
Engaging in regular exercise and staying active helps build muscles and bones, contributing to height growth.
Aim for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of moderate physical activity such as swimming, running, or biking every day. Alternatively, participate in activities like jumping on a trampoline, playing hide-and-seek, or skipping rope for fun and movement.
Consider joining a sports team or club at school. If competitive sports are not of interest, engaging in recreational sports like dodgeball or volleyball can still provide physical activity and enjoyment.
Incorporate stretching and yoga
Performing stretching exercises can help improve posture and optimize height.
Sit on the floor with your legs spread wide apart. Gently bend forward at the hips, extending your arms to touch your feet. Hold this position for 5-10 seconds and repeat 2-3 times.
Stand against a wall with your back straight. Raise both hands as high as possible and then bend forward to touch your toes. Hold for about 5-10 seconds and repeat 5-10 times.
Hanging from a bar and strengthening your legs can also be beneficial.
Certain yoga poses, particularly those in yin yoga or restorative yoga, can stretch the body and promote height. The downward facing dog pose can be performed for 10 deep breaths
Spend time in the sun
Vitamin D is a crucial micronutrient that supports healthy bone development, and sunlight is an excellent source of this vitamin.
It is recommended to spend time in the sun between 11 am and 3 pm to ensure adequate vitamin D levels. However, it is important not to stay in the hot sun for an extended period. Aim to spend between 5 and 30 minutes [3] in the sun and remember to stay hydrated. Expose your skin as much as possible to maximize vitamin D production. After approximately 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, it is advisable to apply sunscreen.
Improve posture
Maintaining good posture is essential for appearing taller. Hunching your shoulders or having a crooked spine can make you look shorter than you actually are. To improve your posture, pull your shoulders back, keep your chest out, and ensure your head is level when standing.
When sitting, make sure your feet are flat on the floor and avoid crossing your knees or ankles. Sit up straight and use a backrest to support your back. It is also recommended to take breaks from sitting every hour and engage in light stretching or walking for at least 10 minutes.
Avoid factors that hinder growth
Unhealthy habits can impede proper growth. Drug use, alcohol consumption, smoking, or exposure to secondhand smoke can negatively affect bone and muscle development and contribute to poor posture. These habits can also increase the risk of conditions like osteoporosis as you age. It is important to avoid these factors to support optimal growth and overall health.
Consider height-increasing supplements
As mentioned earlier, a well-balanced diet is essential for proper growth. However, it can be challenging for 12-year-old children to consistently maintain such a diet due to various reasons. In such cases, considering height growth supplements can be a viable option to supplement their diet and support height growth.
If you have no idea which product is suitable for your children, consult here to know further before selecting the suitable one.
FAQs
Is it possible to grow taller at 12 years old?
Yes, it’s possible to continue growing taller at 12 years old. However, most of your height is determined by genetics and other factors.
How much sleep should I get at 12 to help promote growth?
Children between the ages of 6-12 need between 9-12 hours of sleep per night to promote growth and development.
What foods should I eat to promote growth at 12?
Foods rich in protein, calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients can promote growth at 12. Some examples include milk, cheese, yogurt, eggs, fish, lean meats, and leafy greens.
Can exercise help me grow taller at 12?
Regular exercise can help promote growth and development at 12 by stimulating the release of growth hormones. Focus on exercises that promote good posture and strengthen your bones, such as swimming, cycling, and running.
What are some factors that can impact my height at 12?
Genetics, nutrition, exercise, sleep, and overall health can all impact your height at 12.
Overall, age 12 is the key time in the development stage of young teens to boost their height and improve body growth. And if they complement all the activities above, they gain the desired result easily and quickly. So, make sure you care for your kid the right way to make him grow strong and stay healthy.
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