At the end of middle childhood, which sex tends to be taller and weigh more?

At the end of middle childhood, which sex tends to be taller and weigh more?

• A. Boys
• B. Equal
• C. Neither
• D. Girls

Answer: (D)

Growth during middle childhood unfolds at a steady, similar pace for most children, so height and weight differences between boys and girls are not pronounced. The growth charts for the two sexes run close together, and there isn’t a consistent pattern where one sex is taller and heavier than the other by the end of this period. If puberty begins earlier for many girls, they may experience a growth spurts sooner, which can briefly alter height and weight, but these differences are small and vary by individual. The take-home message is that middle childhood is marked by relatively parallel growth for boys and girls, with no reliable, lasting advantage in height or weight for either sex.

Growth during middle childhood unfolds at a steady, similar pace for most children, so height and weight differences between boys and girls are not pronounced. The growth charts for the two sexes run close together, and there isn’t a consistent pattern where one sex is taller and heavier than the other by the end of this period. If puberty begins earlier for many girls, they may experience a growth spurts sooner, which can briefly alter height and weight, but these differences are small and vary by individual. The take-home message is that middle childhood is marked by relatively parallel growth for boys and girls, with no reliable, lasting advantage in height or weight for either sex.