Section 3.2 Postnatal development

Figure: Physical Milestones during Middle and Late Childhood

During the school-age years, typically between the ages of 6 and 12, children experience steady and continuous physical growth. Unlike the rapid changes seen in infancy and toddlerhood, this stage is marked by moderate but consistent increases in height and weight. A noticeable aspect of this growth is that the arms and legs grow more rapidly than the rest of the body, making children appear taller and more proportionate compared to their earlier years. This gradual growth pattern serves as a foundation for the more dramatic changes that occur later during puberty.

Alongside these physical changes, children also develop stronger muscles and improved coordination, which enhances their ability to perform physical tasks. They become more skilled at activities such as running, jumping, and throwing, and their balance, agility, and motor control allow them to participate more effectively in sports, games, and other physical exercises. This period is essential for developing physical fitness, body confidence, and refining gross motor skills. Additionally, children begin to lose their primary teeth around age 6, which are gradually replaced by permanent adult teeth, marking another key milestone in physical development.