As children grow through middle childhood, which statement is true about body size differences?

• A. Differences become less noticeable
• B. Differences become more noticeable
• C. All children have the same size
• D. Differences disappear by age nine

Answer: (B)

During middle childhood, growth happens at different rates for different children. Genetics largely determines how tall and heavy a child becomes, while nutrition, health, and activity influence the pace. Because some kids gain height and weight more quickly than others, size differences become more noticeable as children get older and approach adolescence. The notion that all children are the same size or that differences disappear by age nine isn’t accurate, and growth differences don’t simply vanish.