Every child grows and matures differently. Your child may be taller than his or her best friend in primary school but his or her best friend may be a head taller in secondary school. This often causes concern though it may be a normal variation. However, it is important to ensure that your child does not have a growth disorder which can also result in a child growing a lot slower or a lot faster than other children of the same age.
Although most children who are below average or average in size are otherwise normal, some may have underlying conditions which affect growth. These include chromosomal abnormalities, disorders of the hormonal system (including disorders of growth hormone secretion), bone disorders and chronic diseases. Early detection and treatment of these underlying conditions can enable these children to grow to their optimal potential.