Growing Up

Growing up is something that happens to every person. You start as a tiny baby and slowly get bigger. You learn new things every year. Your body changes, and so does your mind. Growing up takes a long time and happens in stages.

Stages of Growth

Babies grow the fastest of all. After that comes toddlerhood, when kids start walking and talking. Then comes childhood, when you go to school and make friends. Teenagers grow a lot and their bodies start to change. Finally, people become adults.

A famous old drawing of a baby growing inside its mother.
A famous old drawing of a baby growing inside its mother. (Leonardo da Vinci / Wikimedia Commons)

Helping Yourself Grow

Eating healthy food helps your body grow strong. Sleep is very important because you grow the most while sleeping. Exercise helps your muscles and bones get bigger. Learning new things helps your brain grow too. Everyone grows at their own speed, and that is okay.

Fun Facts

  • Babies can grow almost 10 inches in their first year of life.
  • You are a little bit taller in the morning than at night because your bones settle during the day.
  • Most people stop growing taller around age 18 to 20.

Did You Know?

Your growth hormone works hardest while you sleep, so getting enough rest is very important for growing up.