Question
What are the key periods of children’s growth and development? What are the common indicators used to evaluate a child’s growth and development situation?
Answer
Children’s growth and development is a unique physiological phenomenon in the infancy and adolescence period. Weight, height, head circumference, and chest circumference are commonly used indicators for evaluating a child’s growth and development. Weight is the most important and sensitive indicator, reflecting the child’s nutritional status. Height is influenced more by genetics, race, and environment, showing relatively little change in the short term. Head circumference is an important indicator reflecting brain development and has significant meaning for evaluating a child’s overall growth and development.