Body Diversity is the RULE, not the EXCEPTION

Normal growth and development looks different for each unique child. This variation grows wider as children age, which is demonstrated in the shape of the growth chart spreading out as children inch closer and closer to age 20. (Did you know that the pediatric growth chart spans to the age of 20? This means something else that’s important to note: growth and weight gain continue, albeit more slowly, beyond puberty!)⠀⠀
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Body diversity is normal - it is the RULE, not the exception. Sometimes it feels tempting to compare siblings or peers, but even the growth chart informs us that two healthy 7yo girls can differ in body weight by more than 30lbs and 12 inches! When those same girls are 15 yo, the gap on the growth chart may be more than 75lbs! These are normal, expected variations in body size.⠀
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The photo here in this graphic is my daughter (on the right) and her friend since birth (her mama is my friend from grad school) when they were just under 2 years old. Two little girls, born only 2 months apart with dietitian mamas that use responsive feeding methods and embrace body diversity. These girls have been stark opposites on the growth curve since day one and have remained that way. They are such a beautiful case study of body diversity. ⠀
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Have you ever been told your child is too big or too small? ⠀
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Download my “top tips to raise intuitive eaters” here.