Your child should be brushing twice a day. See a dentist twice a year.
Eight to ten hours of sleep is recommended. Sleep cycles can be disrupted when a television or video system are in a child’s room. During adolescents, sleep cycles often change with onset of sleep and wake up times being later.
Use bike helmets and seat belts. Ensure water safety. Use sunscreen. When needed use DEET as bug replant. Know their friends. Enforce playing sports safely. Trampolines are dangerous.
Maintain a smoke free environment, while continuing to give your child a negative message about tobacco use. Discuss drugs and alcohol.
Lock up medicines, guns and matches.
Reinforce fire safety. Have an emergency escape plan for your family, practicing it with family fire drills. Check the function of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors frequently. Discuss 911.
Praise and encourage talking and expression of feelings. Although your child will want to spend time with friends, make time for family activities and trips.
Have age appropriate daily chores.
Use teachable moments to discuss pubertal changes and questions about sexuality.
Reinforce limits and provide appropriate consequences. Never hit your child. Encourage self discipline. Teach right from wrong and respect for authority and family rules. Know their friends. Listen to your child and value their thoughts. Give respect, get respect.
Be actively involved with your child’s educational process. Provide a safe after school environment. Provide rules for being home.
Signs of illness may include fever, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, lethargy, rash, or cough. If you are concerned about your child or these symptoms, feel free to call our office for advice or an appointment.