Can You Predict Your Child’s Height?

I wish I were taller, not just because I hate having to hem all my pants and often can’t reach the top shelf, but because it would make my kids taller. Sounds kind of superficial and “Dance Mom” of me, but studies have shown taller people are happier and more successful. Isn’t that so unfair? Interestingly, the difference doesn’t seem to be how tall someone is as an adult, but rather, how tall they are as a teenager. Theoretically, the confidence gained during those formative years from looking down at everyone else, translates into increased intelligence and better social skills. Sounds like a nice perk to an already desirable physical trait. Wondering if your kids will enjoy this kind of vertical advantage?

You can make a pretty reasonable guess based on the parental heights. Of course, there are  outliers, so nothing is set in stone, but here’s how:

— Add the mother’s height and father’s height in inches.

— Add five inches for boys and subtract five inches for girls.

— Divide by two.

The majority of kids will reach a height within four inches of this educated guestimation. So, while there is still a slight chance your son can play for the NBA even if you are of average height, for the most part, the only way to have offspring significantly taller than yourself is to procreate with someone you look up to.