How to Handle a Child with Growing Pains

Learn practical ways to comfort your child through growing pains with gentle remedies and when to seek medical advice.

1. Recognize the Signs of Growing Pains. Growing pains usually occur in the muscles of the thighs, calves, or behind the knees. They tend to happen in the late afternoon or evening, often waking children from sleep. The pain is typically on both sides of the body and comes and goes rather than being constant. Children often describe it as aching, throbbing, or cramping. The pain usually doesn't affect your child's ability to walk or play during the day.
2. Provide Immediate Comfort. When your child complains of growing pains, start with gentle massage of the affected area using your hands to rub the muscles. Apply a warm heating pad on low setting or a warm washcloth to the painful area for 10-15 minutes. You can also try a warm bath before bedtime to relax the muscles. Offer age-appropriate pain relief like children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following package dosing instructions carefully.
3. Create a Soothing Bedtime Routine. Since growing pains often strike at night, establish calming bedtime habits that can help prevent or minimize discomfort. Include gentle stretching exercises like touching toes or calf stretches before bed. Keep the bedroom at a comfortable temperature and consider using a small heating pad or warm blanket on the legs. Read a story or play soft music to help your child relax and focus on something other than the discomfort.
4. Support Your Child Emotionally. Growing pains can be scary for children who don't understand what's happening to their bodies. Reassure your child that these pains are normal and that many children experience them. Explain that their body is growing and getting stronger. Stay calm and patient, as your reaction will influence how your child copes. Offer extra comfort and cuddles when pain strikes, and validate their feelings by acknowledging that the pain is real.
5. Try Gentle Stretching and Light Exercise. Regular gentle stretching during the day may help reduce the frequency of growing pains. Encourage simple exercises like walking, swimming, or riding a bike, which can strengthen muscles and improve flexibility. Avoid intense or high-impact activities if your child is experiencing frequent growing pains. Before bedtime, try gentle yoga poses or basic stretches together, making it a fun bonding activity rather than a chore.