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CHAPTER 5:
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The following table lists examples of "normal" for children aged 2-8.
Parents can use the range as a guide for questions when meeting with a doctor or nurse.
The physical growth of a child (height and weight) will usually follow the path of the parents. A slow growing child often has a parent who was also a slow grower; tall parents have tall children. Although weight can be related to the weight of the parents, the pattern of feeding has more to do with being overweight than parental weight.
Bed wetting is common before the age of six. Parents and the child should not make bed wetting a major point of discussion.
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Age 2 |
Age 5 |
Age 8 |
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Weight in pounds (kg) |
22-33 (10-15) |
33-48 (15-22) |
44-77 (20-35) |
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Height in inches (cm) |
32-27 (80-95) |
38-45 (100-115) |
46-53 (118-135) |
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Language and Personal Development |
2-3 word phrases. at least 50% of speech understood by strangers; names some pictures; puts on simple clothes; brushes teeth; temper tantrums |
Complex sentences; defines 7-10 words; counts 5 blocks; can draw a person; plays card or board games; does simple chores; almost full personal care but may wet the bed; seldom if ever has a bowel movement in clothes (soils him or herself). |
Can order, reverse and group things; simple addition and subtraction; ties shoes; seldom if ever wets the bed. |
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Movement skills |
Kicks ball when asked; builds 6 block tower; walks or runs up and down stairs (ouch!) |
Runs and turns; may be able to skip and catch a ball. |
Complete development |
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Fears |
Darkness; imaginary ghosts and monsters |
Darkness; imaginary ghosts and monsters |
Fear of injury or loss of loved ones |
We have tried to make the How's Your Health error-free. However, those involved in its preparation can not warrant that all of the information is accurate and complete. When you use How's Your Health as a guide for your health and medical care, be sure to discuss any questions about it with your doctor, nurse, or other health care worker.