Introduction
If you picked up this brochure, it is likely that you have concerns about the physical growth of someone close to you. Physical growth is often a sign of a child’s overall health. Given that growth is connected in many ways to health, it is important for children who are not growing at a rate considered within average range to be evaluated by medical personnel (1). For children who are extremely short compared to their same age peers, evaluation of height and possible related health issues is vital.

Unfortunately, we do not know much about the psycho-social impact of short stature on children and adolescents because little research has been conducted. We do know that short stature may place children at risk for bullying, social immaturity, and low self-esteem (2). Researchers have found that children with chronic illnesses/disabilities are at higher risk for school difficulties, anxiety, and depression (3, 4, 5). Children with growth delays often have related health conditions increasing their risk for social, emotional, academic issues.

Remember though, just because a child has a growth delay, does not mean they will experience emotional or psycho-social issues. Many children with growth delays seem to take their short stature in stride and progress through developmental milestones well within the expected age range. However, it is important that caregivers, physicians, and educators monitor the psychological, emotional, and physical well-being of children with growth delays.

Short Stature and Social-Emotional Development
Children who experience growth delays may be treated younger than their chronological age by peers, caregivers, educators, and others. Unfortunately, people often judge others by their appearance. People make assumptions based on how people look, how tall they are, and even how much they weigh. For many children with delayed growth, people associate height with age. When children are much shorter than their peers several things can happen. Adults and peers treat the child as younger which may interfere with psycho-social development. When behavioral and academic expectations are lowered based on height rather than chronological age, children may not learn the appropriate and expected behaviors for a child their age. Children often behave in a manner that is expected. If a child is treated as if they are younger than their chronological age, the child is likely to behave as a younger child would behave. If this pattern continues a child is likely to lag behind their peers in social, behavioral, and emotional maturity (6). 

School Issues and Concerns
Most parents, regardless of their child’s growth, have questions about their child’s academic ability and achievement. Children with growth delays, much like children with other chronic conditions, appear to have variability in their academic achievement and school issues similar to the general population. However, several researchers have indicated that children with growth disorders, particularly those with co-occurring health issues or disabilities are at increased risk for academic difficulties and psychosocial issues (3, 4, 5, 7). Additionally, children who are significantly shorter than their peers may be an easy target for bullying. Parents and educators play a huge role in identifying possible academic difficulties including learning issues, attention issues, and social/emotional issues. If parents have any concerns about their child’s academics, intellectual abilities, physical or emotional health, social/relational development, or access to supports and services they should speak to their child’s school counselor, school nurse, teacher, or administration. The school has a responsibility for identifying children with learning needs and should follow up if the parents are concerned about their child. School counselors, teachers, and other personnel can be a tremendous source of support for children and their parents.  If children are identified as struggling academically or behaviorally in school they will often be referred for further evaluation by a school psychologist or other professionals to identify learning, behavioral, or emotional issues.

Tips for Parents and Caregivers
Children often react to the emotions of their caregivers. Having a child with a significant medical condition can create stress and anxiety for parents, siblings, and extended family (8, 9, 10, 11). Parents and caregivers need to make sure they are practicing good self-care while at the same time providing the medical, health, social, and emotional support for their affected child as well as their other children. Siblings may experience stress, become worried and anxious, or may feel they must take on additional responsibilities to help ease the stress on their parents (11). Professionals recommend that parents pay attention to siblings’ emotional reactions and health as they have increased risk for depression and anxiety (11). Children with growth delays often face many medical tests and procedures which can be frightening and/or painful. Repeated hospitalizations due to tests, illnesses, medical procedures, or complications from a chronic medical condition can create chaos and stress for the entire family (10).  Children, particularly young children, who experience repeated stressors or chaotic environments (i.e. hospitalizations, surgeries, repeated medical procedures) may be at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and stress related conditions (12). Finding ways to reduce stress for all family members is important.

Creating a supportive and nurturing environment while setting and maintaining boundaries is important for all children. When a child has a chronic medical condition or disability, special attention needs to be given to emotional and psychological health (10, 13). Below are tips for parents on how to create stable, nurturing, and supportive environments midst the chaos of chronic illness, medical testing, hospitalizations, and medication routines.

Create and stick to a routine as much as possible.
Children are less stressed when they are in predictable environments with similar mealtimes, bath times, bed times, etc. Even when there is some kind of medical upheaval, it is helpful to try to maintain routines to the best of your ability (10). Adults can lower the stress by bringing along a favorite book, sleepy toy, pillow, etc. In addition, if you have the luxury of extended family or caregivers, it may help reduce sibling anxiety if children are able to stay in their own home and in their own bed while the affected child is in the hospital or traveling for medical treatment. Try to keep routines similar even when there are hospitalizations, medical treatments, or travel involved.

Develop or maintain a sense of humor.
Humor can reduce tension and stress. Humor allows us to see the funny things that happen and can help us laugh at situations rather than treat them like they are the end of the world. Laughter is good medicine. Sometimes we need to learn not to take things so seriously. Pick your battles wisely and learn to laugh at absurdities.

Provide a supportive and safe environment but avoid becoming a helicopter parent.
It is easy to become an overprotective parent when you have a child that is ill or can become ill or is injured easily. Put supports and safety measures in place, develop an emergency action plan to leave for babysitters and caregivers (even yourself), and create back up plan. Then, live life to the fullest. Allow kids to be kids and allow yourself, as a parent, to have time for respite, fun, and relaxation. We cannot prevent every illness, every sickness, every mistake, or every accident. If you bubble wrap your child you may unintentionally lower their self-esteem and resilience.

Be firm and consistent with discipline and boundaries.
Even when children face challenges they need consistent discipline and boundaries. Consistent boundaries and rules help children know what to expect (10, 13). Over indulging children, spoiling them, and excusing their behaviors will not help them develop age appropriate behaviors that are so important in establishing and maintaining friendships. Learning to stay within boundaries helps children develop impulse control, learn interpersonal boundaries, and respect.

Learn to recognize typical verses atypical behavior.
When parenting a child with a chronic illness or disability, parents are sometimes hyper alert to their behavior and development. While this can be helpful, it can also make us more prone to worrying about whether our child’s behavior is typical or not. There are great resources available to help guide you about when to become concerned about your child’s behavior based on their developmental level (10, 13). Remember, that you may have to “adjust” for age if your child was born prematurely or spent their first few weeks/months in the NICU.

Know when to be concerned and seek help.
Most of the time, children with growth delays, their siblings, and their parents do just fine. However, having a child with a chronic medical condition puts extra stressors on everyone in the family and sometimes family members may need a little extra outside help (9, 13) . Below are some tips for when to seek help.

If the affected child or siblings:

• Experience unusually high levels of anxiety (9)

• Appear depressed, are overly sad for long periods of time, do not seem to enjoy things that once brought pleasure, withdraws from friends or activities (9, 13)

• Seem to feel guilty or overly responsible for the affected child’s health (9, 13)

• Acts out, seeks out attention inappropriately, or becomes disruptive (9)

• Threatens to harm self or others

• Gets into fights, throws things, or tries to harm self, others, or animals (9)

• Grades fall or the child demands perfection in all their school work and/or activities (13)

• Has meltdowns, lashes out in anger, or cries often over minor things

• Uses alcohol or drugs

• Seems to need coping skills or someone to talk to (9, 13)

• Other behaviors that persist and seem out of character that concern you

Counselors, clergy, school counselors, pediatricians, and other professionals can guide you in finding help for your affected child, siblings, and even yourself as the caregiver. Remember that emotional and psychological health impacts physical health. Continued stress can be harmful so make sure to seek help when needed.

Having a child with a growth delay or growth disorder can be challenging physically and emotionally (8, 10, 13). Parents and caregivers often feel stressed (8, 10, 14).  and want to make sure they are doing all they can to ensure their child’s physical and emotional well-being. If you have questions or concerns about the growth of a child or how you can support and nurture a child with a growth delay or disorder contact MAGIC for information, resources, and support.

References

• FloridaHealthFinder.gov (2018). Health Encyclopedia. Delayed Growth. Retrieved January 28, 2018. http://www.floridahealthfinder.gov/mobile/healthencyclopedia/health%20illustrated%20encyclopedia/1/003021.aspx

• Cohen, P., Rogol, A.D., Deal, C.L., et al. (2008) Consensus Statement on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Children with Idiopathic Short Stature: A Summary of the Growth Hormone Research Society, the Lawson Wilkins Pediatric Endocrine Society, and the European Society for Paediatric Endocrinology Workshop. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 93, 4210-4217. Retrieved February 5, 2018 from http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/jc.2008-0509

• Pinquart, M. & Shen, Y. (2011). Anxiety in children with chronic illnesses: A meta-analysis. Acta Paediatrica: Nurturing the Child, 100(8), 1069-1076. DOI: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02223.x

• Pinquart, M. & Shen, Y. (2011). Behavior problems in children and adolescents with chronic physical illness: A meta-analysis. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 36(9), 1003-1016.  DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsr042

• Martinez, Y.J. & Ercikan, K. (2009). Chronic illness in Canadian children: What is the effect of childhood illness on academic achievement, anxiety, and emotional disorders.  Child: Care, Health, and Development, 35 (3), 391-401. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2008.00916.x

• Stabler, B. Psychosocial issues of growth delay children. The MAGIC Foundation for Children’s Growth. Retrieved October 28, 2017 from https://www.magicfoundation.org/downloads/PsychosocialIssuesofGrowthDelayedChildren.pdf

• Pinquart, M. & Shen, Y. (2011). Depressive symptoms in children and adolescents with chronic physical illness: An updated meta-analysis. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 36(4), 375-384.  DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsq104

• Holmes, A.M. & Deb, P. (2003). The Effect of Chronic Illness on the Psychological Health of Family Members. The Journal of Metal Health Policy and Economics, 6, 13-22.

• Healthy Children.org (2015). Siblings of Children with Chronic Illness. Retrieved January 28, 2018 from http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/chroini/Pages/Siblings-of-Children-with-Chronic-Illnesses.aspx

• Michigan Medicine. (2012). Your Child Development and Behavior Resources: A guide to information and support for parents. Children with Chronic Conditions. Retrieved January 28, 2018 from http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/chronic.htm

• Sharpe, D. & Rossiter, L. (2002). Siblings of children with chronic illness: A meta-analysis. Journal of Pediatric Psychology, 27(8), 699–710. https://doi.org/10.1093/jpepsy/27.8.699

• Lerwick, J.L. (2013). Psychosocial implications of pediatric surgical hospitalization. Seminars in Pediatric Surgery, 22(3), 129-133.

• Understanding Children and Chronic Illness: Protecting Your Child’s Emotional Health (2008). National Jewish Health. Retrieved January 28, 2018. https://www.nationaljewish.org/NJH/media/pdf/pdf-Understanding-ChildrenChronicIllness.pdf

• Eker, L., & Tuzun, S. H. (2004). An evaluation of quality of life of mothers of children with cerebral palsy. Disability and Rehabilitation, 26, 1354-1359. Doi: 10.1080/09638280400000187

Contributing Medical Specialist

Yvette Q. Getch, Ph.D., CRC
Associate Professor and Coordinator, Graduate Counseling Programs
Dept. of Counseling and Instructional Sciences
University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL