How do kids get taller? The answer starts inside your bones. Let's find out how.
A child's bones have special spots called growth plates. This is where bones make new bone. Then the bones can grow longer.
A long bone does not grow from its middle. It grows at each end, next to a growth plate.
Long bones are longer than they are wide. Your thighbone is one. So are your arm bones. So are the bones of your hands.
A growth plate is made of cartilage. Cartilage is rubbery. The tip of your nose is made of cartilage too.
Nobody grows at a steady rate. Kids grow in spurts, with faster stretches and slower stretches. Each child grows at their own pace.
Doctors measure how kids grow. They mark the numbers on a growth chart. This lets them follow growth over time.
Bones need calcium. It helps build strong bones. Milk, yogurt and cheese are some of the best foods for calcium.
Kids need healthy food every day to grow. A good plate has half vegetables and fruits.
Sleep helps kids grow. As of November 2026, kids 6 to 12 need 9 to 12 hours of sleep. That is in every 24 hours.
Running, jumping and playing make bones stronger. As of November 2026, kids 6 to 17 need at least 60 minutes of active play. That is every day.
Food, sleep and play all help you grow. Each child grows at their own pace.
Words to know
- cartilage: rubbery body stuff
- calcium: bone-building mineral
- spurts: quick bursts
- stretches: periods of time
