Taeler L.

is modding

Body Image

The Growth Spurt

Nope, not you imagination. Your bones are growing super-fast. Get this—during the totally span of adolescence, the average person grows a full foot. Weight typically increases 20 to 30 pounds, about 10 pounds a year.

In a world where models look too frail to stand up straight, it’s not surprising girls often freak at putting on so much weight so quickly. Gaining inches and pounds is normal, and the last thing you want to do is try to stop it.

Besides going up a dress size, the cuff of your favorite jeans may suddenly hit your ankles instead of your shoelaces. And it may seem odd to peer down at the top of your mom’s perm as she yells at you for not emptying the dishwasher. Your legs may even ache as your bones and muscles stretch.

Trust us—most of you will not keep growing until the WNBA comes calling. We promise your spurt will sputter out, most likely around the time you get your period. If boys taunt you about your height, it’s because they would kill to be in your shoes instead of feeling like short-stuff in their own. For now, you and your crush may not see eye to eye when slow-dancing, but he should sprout about two years after you do.

If your nickname is “Giraffe,” be proud. Wear flats if you want to, but don’t think you need to avoid heels or boots. Walk with your chin up and shoulders back.

Have the opposite problem? Nothing like having the whole sophomore class patting you on the head. Hello, you’re not a tot. Shorter girls tell us it’s easier to be taken seriously when you use a strong voice and project confidence (no shuffling down the hall and speaking to your shoes). And while baby barrettes and cutesy clothes look adorable on you li’l sis, those styles will just make you look like an extra on Sesame Street.

There’s no height requirement for being taken seriously. You just may need to subtly remind folks that your size may be small, but your brains, talent and abilities are not.

BY JIAE K. ON 5/3/2009 10:00:00 AM 51 COMMENTS

< PREVIOUS NEXT >

POST IT ON YOUR

E-MAIL

MOD
I'm 14 and I have had my period since I was 11 and a half. I'm only 4 foot 10 and 90 pounds, I also have a flat chest. Its really annoying being short and everyone always saying you'll get your growth spurt and people confusing you for a little kid ...but I've learned to live with it and love my body. Any way do you think I will grow taller? Do you think I will grow more even tho I've had my period for almost 3 years?
Thanks so much

Hey Girl! Every girl matures differently. My mom didn't grow over 5 feet tall until her 18 year old check up. It all depends, on you and what you inherit. Just wait a little longer darlin! xo Lizzie

lizzie n.

Mari&Bella on 2/12/2010 12:44:15 AM

hi, im 15 and 5'2, and i havent had a growth spurt since i was a lot younger, will i get one or am i finished growing?

Princessdora on 10/28/2009 1:38:45 PM

MOD!!! i'm 15 and my height is 5ft6. Even though my mom says i'm perfectly fine , i'm concious about myself bcoz i'm one of the taller girls in my grade! many of my guy friendz r just about an inch taller than me ( when i wear flats).I haven't worn heels 4 the last couple of years (except on halloween) even though i really want 2 sumtymz!!!! help!

Hey girl! Rock the heels! The boys will catch up really soon and you won't have to be so self-concious! Be glad you got the height!

-Taeler

Taeler L.

girlsrthebest on 10/15/2009 1:35:47 AM

MOD*
I'm pretty tall- about 5'9. I don't mind it really- except I'm an easy 7" taller than both of my best friends. They don't seem to be growing anymore, but I do. So at least one of us is always getting strange looks for our height. Any advice on how to close the gap a little? I don't really see them wearing heels...
Also, do you have any ideas on how to get rid of nasty scars without a crazy expensive cream? I've got tons from hiking and basketball. Thanks!

Hey girl,

Height is something you or your friends def can't control. While heels can always add an extra inch, you should not let people's stares bother you because you're all beautiful and great together. Height, whether it's 4'8 or 5'9, can't change that. As for the scars, your best bet to finding the right cream is asking a pharmacist or your doctor. They'll know the best brands at the right price.

xoxo

Alyssa B.

nightwind on 7/24/2009 12:48:49 AM

MOD!!!!!
hey sorry i know you probably answer lots of questions like this but i'm curious. i don't know but i think i might have just had my growth spurt because my familys kinda short i'm 13 and i've grown 3 or 4 inches within the last like 6 or 7 months and i've gained like 10 or 15 pounds and i recently got my first period:so now i'm around 115 lbs. and i'm 5'2. do you think that was my growth spurt?
thanks a bunch!!!

Hey babe,

sounds like it! You still might grow more, though.

xoxo Allie

Allie S.

coexist95 on 7/21/2009 4:22:32 PM

i totally agree with everything Jaie said in that article!! LEAVE ME A COMMENT ON MY PROFILE!

dancechick97 on 7/16/2009 11:08:38 PM

***MOD MOD MOD*** I can't really wear sweatpants because smalls and mediums are too short;; I'll find ones that are long enoughh but they'll be too big at the waist... Do you know of any stores that make long sweatpants? thanks(:

Hey girl,

There are tons of places that make sweatpants in lengths. Try a department store and ask a sales person for a little help!

Mel

Melany T.

softballdiva on 7/16/2009 12:17:34 PM

I'm 13 years old, have not yet had my period, and I'm about 5ft8 or 5ft9. My whole family is tall, I already have a Womens size 11 foot... I don t think I'm going to stop growing for a while.. my foot is the same size as my moms and I'm catching up on her height.... *MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD* Is it true that the average height woman is only around 5'7?

Hey girl,

That is usually what is said to be the average height. But there's totally nothing wrong with not fitting into what is considered average!

Mel

Melany T.

softballdiva on 7/16/2009 12:14:29 PM

MODMODMODMODMODMODMODMOD
Eh...MOD? I've had my period since January 1, 2009, and I'm only 5'4. I'm I not getting any taller? 'Cause I wanna be @ least 5'7 when I stop growing.

Hey girl, I've grown after I got my period but it depends on every person. Not only that, but also you should know that you usually won't grow as much as you might want because it slows down. <3 Jeannie

Jeannie L.

CurlyBlonde8684 on 7/15/2009 8:34:43 PM

my mom has not taken me to a doctor since i was seven. i have a disorder called oshgoodshloters disease. it makes you grow really fast. my mom really wont take me to the doctor. i asked and explained my reasons but she says it will cost to much money. i wont to know if i am over or under weight. i am 10 years old (turning 11 in september, this is june 28) and i am 5'1 and 87 pounds. could you please tell me if i am over or under weight?

1bunkin2lunkin on 6/28/2009 4:53:28 PM

ughhh, the growth spurt. i hit it already, im 14, and i hope it stopped. Reason why---- I'm 14 at 6foot 3!!!(Or 6 ft 4 in). I think the WNBA is already calling lol. i have a pretty tall family also. my dad is 7ft, my bro is 7ft, my sis is 6ft, my cuz is 7ft 2in, and my mom is 5ft 4 lol.

Comment on my page please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

tallstar24 on 6/27/2009 8:38:38 PM

Ok thanks mod!!! That really helped! Because one of my close friends is 5'3 and only ways 103 lbs and I was wondering if I was too heavy compared to her! But thanks so much!!

volleyballgirl102 on 6/7/2009 11:20:16 PM

MOD MOD MOD
Is it normal to be 4'11 and weigh like 103 pounds? It seems like I'm to heavy?

no way! we all have different body types and weights, so as long as you're feeling healthy, energetic, and confident everything is perfectly fine! ~katiep

Katie P.

volleyballgirl102 on 6/6/2009 11:31:16 PM

im around 5'4-5'5 and im going on 15 and am 115-118 lbs.

don't feel bad i haven't grown in years

lexi_blue on 6/3/2009 7:10:31 PM

same thing heree im 12 almost 13 and i am 5'4 and weigh 110 lb.
im not fat and thanks cause this is normal and im glad to be tall, most people in my school are short so it makes me feel more confident.
(sorry, to the shorter girls)

foreverohever on 6/3/2009 4:27:40 PM

MOD
Ohk. I think im like 129 or 128 pounds.Im 5'3 and Im 12.Is that good or bad?Cuz I have alot fat. I dont like it.Any ideas how to lose it?

Hey babe, talk to your doc about what's normal. But you're young so don't worry so much! Eat a healthy diet and get enough exercise and you have nothing to worry about!

katelin s.

GalsPals66 on 6/3/2009 12:42:42 AM

ok everyone here's the truth-
even if you're way short or way tall right now you'll probably all end up being around the same size. so STOP COMPLAINING and get over yourself.

kgirlpanda on 5/31/2009 8:53:44 PM

volleyballer27-
it is unusual for you to lose weight when you should be growing and gaining weight. but you're not underweight cause my friend is 5'4 and like 100 lbs but not considered underweight and doesn't look super skinny or anything.

kgirlpanda on 5/31/2009 8:51:18 PM

Hey!!!
If you think you are tall you are not the only one for sure!!! I am only 11 and I am 5'8!!! I also way like alot!!! but main reason is that i will always be tall cause my dad is 6'9 so stop griping that you r to tall!!! TTYL comment on my profile!!

jellybean1998 on 5/30/2009 9:33:18 PM

******MOD*******
I'm 5'3'' and 117 pounds is that ok?!

Yep! -lauren

Lauren H.

sweetiegmm on 5/30/2009 8:52:39 PM

 MOD 
how do u get smiley faces and stuff in ur messages i still cant find it Lauren H.

girlsjustwannahavefun97 on 5/30/2009 5:06:36 PM

thank you, Sherryn!! I'll mention it at my appointment

artist13 on 5/30/2009 12:53:16 PM

MOD!!! MOD!!! MOD!!
I'm 4 feet, 10 inches and 80 pounds. Am I overweight? I've gained 10 pounds since July! Why do I keep gaining too much weight?

see a doctor about that babe!

Sherryn D.

artist13 on 5/30/2009 12:48:11 PM

I haven't had my growth spurt this year even though my doctor said I would. I'm only 4 feet, 10 inches, and I'm 13. But I gained 10 POUNDS since last July. I weigh 80 POUNDS!! I'm starting to think I'm getting fat. I've tried dieting.
-

artist13 on 5/30/2009 12:43:34 PM

i wiegh 95 lbs and I'm ten . Is that healthy , underwieght , or overwieght . be honest plz !

diva6071 on 5/29/2009 11:01:38 PM

MOD MOD MOD
i'm 4'10 (or 4'11. somewhere around there) and i weigh 90 pounds. is that overweight, underweight, or healthy? im curious!

Hey girl,

You're actually a little underweight. As long as you eat healthily and exercise a good amount (not too much!), though, I don't think it's anything to worry about.

xo Lisa

Lisa B.

Sk8r_Girl on 5/29/2009 2:17:09 PM

im sooo short! i'm 4' 10 and im 12 yrs. old! but my friend is the same age as me but shes 4' 7! and her twin is 4'6! one of my friends is super tall and i envy her! she's 5'8! she looks like a model

Sk8r_Girl on 5/29/2009 2:14:35 PM

Omg im soooo fat and im barely getting taller!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 5'1 and 120 help me!!!!!!!!!!1

Chica#1 on 5/26/2009 8:01:01 PM

CALLING ALL MODS
I just wanted to say thankyou for all the great advice u give and for making all of us feel better when we are down about ourselves u really make our lives better and once again THANK YOU!!!!! =)

girlsjustwannahavefun97 on 5/25/2009 9:23:17 PM

MOD MOD
Im really short and i want to know what kind of clothes that would make me look taller! Also what kind of bikini would be good for me im short and middle-chested? Thanks

Hey babe, dark on the bottom and light on the top elongates, also nice a-line shirts work. Maybe go with a tankini for the suit, but try different kinds on for the best fit!

katelin s.

girlsjustwannahavefun97 on 5/25/2009 9:09:51 PM

MOD ive gained weight!!!!!also i think i hav asthma cuz when i run my chest tightens and i hav trouble breathing.im the last person 2 finish running and i cough a lot after i run.i mean running just one lap on the track in gym isnt that much but i get out of breath just half way.thx!!!

Talk to your parents about this.

Lauren H.

greengirl111 on 5/23/2009 8:11:11 PM

MOD i weigh that much cuz of this crappy meds that knocked my hormones WAAAY out of whack and i gained more than 40 pounds within 3 months.im off of it now but it still had a really big affect.if i didnt take that medicine,id b like 115 pounds @ the most!!!

If you eat healthy and exercise, your body will be the right weight for you. If the hormones did cause your weight gain and you are off them now, you will probably lose that weight.

Lauren H.

greengirl111 on 5/23/2009 7:52:40 PM

MOD am I fat???im 149 pounds and im about 5'7 and im gonna b 14 in about 3 months.thx!!!!

You are still young and your body is still growing. As long as you eat healthy and get exercise, you shouldn't be concerned with being overweight.

Lauren H.

greengirl111 on 5/23/2009 7:25:05 PM

Mod--
I am 13. I weigh like 105 pounds and I am about 5'5 or so. At the beginning of the school year I was 119 pounds and like 5'2 or so. Im comfortable with my height although...I am taller than most of my friends, especially the guys. But, is this normal to grow THAT much taller, and still lose SOO much weight. I havent even been trying. My parents keep asking if Im eating enough, but I eat a lot! and I still keep losing weight. What should I do? Thanks!

Hey girl,

Talk to your doctor about your weight loss, 'cause someone of your height would be considered medically underweight from what you've described. Try bulking up a little, grab some seconds, or build muscle mass. Stay healthy, chica!

~Alexa

alexa e.

volleyballer27 on 5/22/2009 9:47:03 AM

my doc told me im supposed to be around 5'8 and i used to think that was sooooo tall but im like 5'5 rite now and i want to be a model and to do runway u have to be at least 5'8 and 105 pounds

eki_dancer13 on 5/21/2009 7:45:30 PM

Oh, gosh. Happens at about same tima as period? I might end up 6'2!!!!

CHECK OUT MY PROFILE!!!!!!!!!!!!

stylechic21 on 5/20/2009 5:41:16 PM

***MOD*MOD*MOD** i hate growing pains theyre the worst. i get them real bad a lot lately and i almost wanna cry sometimes lol(pathetic right?!) anyways is there anyway to like relieve them or like make them feel better??! thx

See a doctor asap about this! <3 Sherryn D.

Sherryn D.

cutefusian00 on 5/19/2009 9:51:52 PM

wow, is what I say to this I'm speechless.^^
I'm okay with my hieght (totally confident there)
,but I worry sometimes that I am too fat, I think of myself as ugly + my long blonde hair looks like a bush, and I break out in pimple and I sweat alot and I talk wierdly ,but.......who cares? people most likely don't notice this about me except me.^^

lovemenot on 5/17/2009 12:27:31 AM

I am 12 years old and I have grown taller than my 5 foot mom.It is very embarrassing.My older cousin grew fast too when she was little and turns out she normal height.I have not started my period yet but SOON!So I hope I am like my cousin.Tall when young.Normal height When older.I don't want to be too tall.

alyssa22510 on 5/16/2009 12:39:13 AM

im the exact opposite as McShortStuff. im super tall. im in 6 grade and i am 5'10. ppl always tell me that im tall and im like "duh, its not like i havent looked it the mirror in the last 12 years" i dont actually say that, i just think it. its to frustrating tho!

candeeluvr8111 on 5/14/2009 11:55:27 PM

MOD MOD MOD!!!!
i HATE my height. i am extremly short. i am going into the 9th grade in the fall and i'm only 4'11"!
all of my friends are AT LEAST 4 inches taller than me, and i only come up to the shoulder of some of my taller friends! my mom is short and my dad is average height. am i doomed to being a short little girl for the rest of my life because of genetics?!! is there ANYTHING i can do that will make me get taller? i don't know if i have gone through my growth spurt yet because i don't have boobs or my period yet. i'm 13. i also have big feet, which according to my dad, means i am going to be tall.

Hey Girl- Just give it some time, you're prob going to grow if you have bigger feet. There isn't really anything you can do to make yourself grow though. Hang in there! <3Ash

ashley b.

McShortStuff on 5/13/2009 4:26:24 PM

I have been gaining weight. The funny thing is, I am taller than my friend and we still weigh the same! She has more muscle though.

girlnextdoor123 on 5/12/2009 6:30:57 PM

MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD MOD
I know that this is not the place to post this but i couldt find another place. I have relly sore knees. My mom took me to the doctor and he said that i just need to use them more. I have. I play softball wich is a stop and go kind game. About a week ago i relly hurt it during a game.It hurts just to strech my leg. My mom says just to take some pain medicen. My mom has bad knees and mine are kinda like hers. What should i do?

Hey babe, just take the advice of your doc. Rest them as much as possible and don't stand or run on them too much. Maybe go see a physical therapist to see what he/she recommends.

katelin s.

softball48 on 5/11/2009 10:50:44 PM

i'm already really tall. i'm almost as tall as my mom!

MathGirl98 on 5/10/2009 11:41:51 AM

What is the normal weight for someone that is 5'2
and age eleven that hasen't had their growth spurt yet?

Katie150 on 5/9/2009 6:22:21 PM

MOD My school has a school uniform and i got some new pants and skirt back in September 2008 and i was youth size ten in the skirt and Pants and I just bought new pants and a skirt a few days ago and the skirt that fits in the waist but no where else is a youth 14 and the pants are youth 16. Is it normal at age 11 to go up 3 sizes in the waist?

Hey babe, it is perfectly normal.<3 Sherryn D.

Sherryn D.

puppylover111 on 5/9/2009 12:26:55 PM

I'm about 4'11'' and I've had my period for about a year

BasketballGirl on 5/9/2009 12:02:28 PM

MOD
I'd really like to take some dance classes this summer. The problem is that I'm saving for singing classes, so it'll be pretty expensive to do both. Do you know how I can find some cheaper classes that won't be insufficient?

Hey babes,

What about getting some dance dvds that teach you all the same stuff for way cheaper. You might be able to take some theater classes that combine both as well.

XO Lori

lori S.

HeartOfSong on 5/7/2009 6:51:56 PM

MOD MOD MOD~~~~~~~~~~ Do you know any good arm workouts? My arms are super skinny and i dont want them 2 b so boney-looking. What can i do 2 make them a little beefier without them being super muscle-y?

Hey girl! Try doing bicep curls and tricep extensions with free weights.

Jess H.

jenna_24 on 5/5/2009 5:08:16 PM

Oh no i don't want to gain a lot of weight because i am already tall and gaining weight will make me look like a giant

buffy on 5/3/2009 9:37:40 PM