"My child is the shortest in the class."

Short stature is a common concern. While there are medical causes, the most common reason is Constitutional Delay of Growth and Puberty, often called being a "Late Bloomer."

What does this mean?

These children are healthy. Their internal biological clock is just running slow.

• They are short for their age now.
• They will enter puberty later than their peers.
• Good News: They will keep growing after their friends have stopped. They typically catch up and reach a normal adult height.

Family History:

Check the parents' history. Did Dad start shaving late? Did Mom get her period late? If so, it is likely genetic.

Bone Age X-Ray:

Doctors take an X-ray of the hand. In "Late Bloomers," the bone age is younger than the child's actual age (e.g., a 10-year-old with 8-year-old bones). This confirms they have plenty of time left to grow.