Children's health

Nutrition, fitness, sleep and checkups are key for children's health.

Teach your child early to move more and sit less for physical and mental health. Enjoy active hobbies together to set a good example. Also help your child get enough rest. Good sleep habits will serve your child well for years to come.

A balanced diet gives children fuel for growth and activity. Encourage your child to eat nutritious foods. Learn which nutrients are key and in what amounts and how the guidelines change as your child grows older.

Regular doctor visits for checkups and vaccines are vital too. Share any concerns you have about your child's health with a member of your child's health care team.

Keeping your child safe, from installing a car seat to teaching hand-washing, is a big part of caregiving. And talking about social and school issues grows in importance as your child ages.

Preschoolers

Why do preschoolers resist going to bed? What kinds of speech, movement and thinking skills are typical? And what do kids need to know about sex education and their bodies? Welcome to the world of preschool children's health! Get answers to these and other common questions.

Being mindful about your preschooler's health today could lead to good habits and good behavior throughout childhood.

To get started, teach your preschooler to make healthy food choices now. This sets the stage for a lifelong healthy diet.

Find out how to solve childhood bedtime problems too. It could help you and your preschooler sleep better for years to come.

Also learn about typical preschooler milestones. Doing so can help you track your child's growth and development.

Elementary students

Concerns about kids ages 5 to 11 — the usual years of elementary education — often focus on school issues. These include bullying, learning challenges and the spread of illnesses in classrooms.

Childhood bullying and school violence can have challenging, long-lasting effects on kids. If your child is being bullied, make a plan with your youngster to stop the mean behavior. If your child is bullying others, seek professional help.

Trouble with reading, writing, math or other skills also can be a cause for concern. If your child often has difficulty with schoolwork, you can get the child checked for a learning disorder. Treatments for these conditions can boost confidence and grades.

Good grades also depend on good health. Learn how vaccines, correct hygiene and other strategies can help lower your child's risk of getting sick from illnesses such as COVID-19. You can use the same tips to prevent spreading illness at home.

Aug. 23, 2023