Growth and Development in Primary School Children in Grand Rapids, MI

The easiest way to monitor a primary school child’s growth is by tracking their height and weight over time on standard growth charts. In most cases, healthy Grand Rapids children will follow a predictable pattern of growth and development. Growth is influenced by several factors, including:

  • Genetics (family height and build)
  • Nutrition and eating habits
  • Overall health and illnesses
  • Sleep, physical activity, and emotional wellbeing

Children do not grow at a perfectly steady pace. They often grow in “bursts,” with noticeable changes in height and weight happening over a short period of time.

In West Michigan, where we see long, cold winters and active summers, children’s activity levels and eating patterns can shift with the seasons. Regular check-ups with a local pediatrician or family doctor in Grand Rapids help ensure your child is growing well year-round.

Children’s Growth During the Primary School Years

During the primary school years (approximately ages 5–12), children typically grow slowly and steadily. Pediatricians and other health professionals in Grand Rapids use several tools to assess growth:

  • Standard growth charts to interpret a child’s height
  • Weight measurements
  • Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations
  • Age- and sex-specific BMI percentile charts to compare weight relative to height

How Growth Charts Work

Growth charts are based on large studies of children in the population and show the typical range of height and weight for each age and sex. The charts are divided into sections called percentiles (centiles), which show how a child’s measurements compare with others of the same age and sex.

For example:

  • A child on the 85th percentile for height is taller than 85% of children the same age and sex in the United States, and shorter than 15%.

In Michigan, including Grand Rapids, pediatric clinics commonly use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) growth charts to assess and monitor children’s growth. In some settings, World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts may also be used, especially for younger children.

You can expect your child’s pediatrician at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health), or Mercy Health to review these charts with you during regular well-child visits.

BMI and Healthy Weight in Grand Rapids Children

What Is BMI?

Body Mass Index (BMI) is a common way to assess whether a person is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or has obesity. It is calculated by dividing a person’s weight in kilograms by their height in meters squared:

BMI = Weight (kg) ÷ [Height (m)]²

For children and teens, BMI must always be interpreted using age- and sex-specific percentile charts, because:

  • Children’s body fat changes as they grow.
  • BMI typically drops in the preschool years and then gradually increases through the school years into adulthood.

BMI Percentiles for Children

For children over age 2, BMI percentile charts are used as a guide:

  • Below the 5th percentile: Underweight
  • 5th to 84th percentile: Healthy weight
  • 85th to 94th percentile: Overweight
  • 95th percentile and above: Obesity

Being underweight or overweight can cause health problems now and increase the risk of health issues in adulthood.

In Michigan, where we see higher rates of conditions like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, maintaining a healthy weight in childhood is especially important. Local pediatricians in Grand Rapids can help you understand your child’s BMI and what it means for their health.

Health Risks of Being Underweight or Overweight

Both underweight and overweight children can face short- and long-term challenges.

Potential Problems of Being Underweight

  • Severely restricting food or dieting before puberty can stunt a child’s growth.
  • Poor nutrition can affect energy, concentration, and school performance.
  • In a cold climate like West Michigan, inadequate nutrition can make it harder for children to stay warm and fight off infections during long winters.

Potential Problems of Being Overweight or Having Obesity

  • Children may be teased or bullied about their weight, which can affect self-esteem and attitude toward school.
  • Overweight children may be less likely to participate in physical activity, making weight management more difficult.
  • Childhood obesity increases the risk of:
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • High cholesterol
    • Heart disease in adulthood
    • Joint and sleep problems

In Grand Rapids, with indoor months due to snow and ice, it can be harder to stay active in winter. Finding year-round activities—such as indoor sports, swimming at local recreation centers, or family walks at malls or indoor tracks—can help support healthy growth.

Body Image and Primary School Children

Primary school-aged children become more aware of:

  • How they look compared with other children
  • Media messages about body size and shape
  • Comments from friends, siblings, and adults

Some children in this age group may believe they are “too fat” or “too skinny,” even when they are within a healthy weight range for their age and height.

This is a crucial time for Grand Rapids parents and caregivers to help children build a positive body image and a healthy relationship with food and movement.

How Parents in Grand Rapids Can Support Healthy Growth and Body Image

Parents and caregivers are powerful role models—often more influential than peers or media.

Be a Positive Role Model

  • Avoid crash diets or skipping meals yourself.
  • Eat regular, balanced meals and snacks.
  • Talk about food in terms of health, strength, and energy, not “good” vs. “bad.”
  • Avoid negative comments about your own body or your child’s body.

Encourage Healthy Eating Habits

  • Offer a variety of foods: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and dairy.
  • Limit sugary drinks and highly processed snacks.
  • Involve your child in:
    • Grocery shopping at local Grand Rapids markets and stores
    • Simple meal preparation
    • Learning about where food comes from (e.g., local farms, Michigan produce in season)

Promote Enjoyable Physical Activity

Grand Rapids and West Michigan offer many opportunities for kids to be active:

  • In warmer months:
    • Biking on local trails (e.g., White Pine Trail, Kent Trails)
    • Playing at neighborhood parks and school playgrounds
    • Swimming in community pools or nearby lakes (with supervision)
  • In colder months:
    • Indoor sports programs (YMCA, school gyms, local recreation centers)
    • Ice skating, sledding, or cross-country skiing when conditions allow
    • Active indoor games at home (dance, obstacle courses, fitness videos for kids)

Try to do activities together as a family. This not only supports healthy growth and development, but also strengthens family relationships.

When to See a Doctor About Your Child’s Growth in Grand Rapids

Always talk to your child’s doctor if you are concerned about their growth, weight, or body image.

Your healthcare provider can:

  • Review your child’s growth charts over time
  • Calculate and interpret BMI percentiles
  • Assess for medical causes of poor growth or weight changes
  • Provide guidance on nutrition, activity, and sleep
  • Refer you to a dietitian, counselor, or specialist if needed

In Grand Rapids, parents can start with:

  • Your child’s pediatrician or family doctor
  • Local health systems such as:
    • Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • University of Michigan Health–West (Metro Health)
    • Mercy Health
  • School-based health centers and school nurses

Local Resources for Families in Grand Rapids, MI

If you have questions or concerns about your primary school child’s growth and development, consider these local resources:

  • Kent County Health Department
    Offers child health services, nutrition education, and immunizations.
    Website: search “Kent County Health Department child health”

  • Grand Rapids Public Schools & Local School Districts
    School nurses and counselors can help identify growth or body image concerns and connect you with services.

  • Grand Rapids Public Health / Community Health Programs
    Look for programs that support healthy eating, physical activity, and childhood wellness.

  • Registered Dietitians in Grand Rapids
    Many are available through local hospitals and clinics to help with pediatric nutrition and healthy weight management.

If you are unsure where to start, call your child’s doctor’s office; they can direct you to appropriate local services.

Key Points for Grand Rapids Parents

  • Children’s growth during the primary school years is typically slow and steady, with occasional growth spurts.
  • Doctors and nurses in Grand Rapids use growth charts and BMI percentiles to assess your child’s growth.
  • BMI is the most common tool to help determine if a child is underweight, a healthy weight, overweight, or has obesity, but it must always be interpreted with age and sex in mind.
  • Being underweight or overweight can cause health and emotional problems now and increase the risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease later in life.
  • How parents react to and talk about body image is very important. Modeling healthy habits, promoting positive body image, and encouraging enjoyable physical activity are key.
  • Always see your doctor if you are worried about your child’s growth, weight, or body image. Local healthcare providers and public health resources in Grand Rapids are there to help.