Tween and teen health

Fitness and nutrition are crucial for tween and teen health. The healthy habits your child forms now can set the tone for a lifetime of good health.

If your teen or tween is physically active, encourage your child to keep it up. If your child needs to move more, suggest team sports or other ways to stay active. Also encourage your teen or tween to eat healthy foods. Offer nutritious meals and snacks at home. Teach sensible portion sizes. And suggest to your child how to select healthy choices when eating out with friends.

Share any concerns you might have about tween and teen health with a member of your child's health care team.

Tween health

During the tween years, around ages 9 to 12, family relationships will change as your child grows and develops. Tween health issues can range from puberty to possible effects from too much screen time.

The start of puberty means a child's body is changing. This stage of life may include acne, gender questions and new types of social situations. Talk with your child about these topics when the time feels right.

Your tween also may start to use televisions, tablets and other screens more. But too much screen time combined with poor-quality content is linked with issues such as poor sleep and behavior problems. Learn how to limit screen time and monitor the content your child views.

Remember, your role is to help your tween learn how to make healthy choices for a lifetime. Talk with your child's health care team if you have any questions about tween health.

Teen health

Concerns about teen health often focus on mental health, safe sex behaviors, smoking, alcohol use and drug use.

Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression can affect children of all ages, including teens. Learn the possible warning signs and find out how treatments can help.

Sexual activity is another health concern for teens. Your child needs accurate information about sexual health and safe sex behaviors. But it's just as important to talk with your child about feelings, attitudes and values to help your teen become a sexually responsible adult.

If your concerns about your teen's health include smoking and tobacco products, help your teen understand the consequences of smoking and how to resist these substances. Also learn practical tips to stop teen smoking if that's already an issue. If alcohol or drugs are a concern, learn more about teen alcohol and drug misuse.

Aug. 23, 2023