At what age do children generally begin to show more significant physical growth?

Children typically experience a notable spurt in physical growth during the pre-adolescent and early adolescent years, which falls between the ages of 9 and 12. This period is characterized by significant changes as children approach puberty, leading to rapid increases in height and weight. Growth may not only be marked by height increase but also includes development in muscle mass and changes in body composition.

During this developmental stage, children may experience growth plateaus followed by sudden growth spurts, which can vary among individuals. This growth is driven by hormonal changes in the body associated with puberty. As children transition into their teenage years, they often display a considerable variation in growth patterns due to differences in the onset of puberty.

In contrast, the other age ranges mentioned do not typically coincide with the same level of significant physical growth linked to puberty and the associated hormonal changes. Therefore, the age range of 9 to 12 is recognized as a critical period for physical development among children.