Learning to maintain healthy relationships is extremely important for teens that have begun to date. Teens in relationships should respect each other, handle disagreements calmly and peacefully, and should maintain other friendships and interests.| HealthyChildren.org
Ah, “the talk.” As uncomfortable as it can be, talking to your adolescent about sexuality is absolutely necessary. Here’s how to start the conversation, and keep it going.| HealthyChildren.org
Vitamin A does not prevent or cure measles, and too much vitamin A can cause serious health problems. Vitamin A treatment for measles can only help if a child is already sick. It doesn't help when used instead of the vaccine. The best way to protect your family is by choosing to have your child immunized against measles.| HealthyChildren.org
For some middle-years children, social situations and interactions can be terrifying. Parents can help children overcome shyness and develop successful peer interactions.| HealthyChildren.org
Did you know that roughly a third of U.S. homes with children have guns? In fact, an estimated 4.6 million kids live with unlocked, loaded guns. That's a scary statistic when you think about the fact that even young toddlers are capable of finding unlocked guns in the home, and they are strong enough to pull the trigger. As a parent, you may not realize what a serious risk a gun in the home is, especially for children. Read on to learn how to keep your child safe.| HealthyChildren.org
In this article, the American Academy of Pediatrics describes types of grief, how to support your child after the loss of a loved one, and signs there may be cause for concern.| HealthyChildren.org
For many families, events happen that are unpredictable; these events can affect how a child feels and behaves. We call these events ACEs―Adverse Childhood Experiences―and they are more common than you may think. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
Treating depression in children and teens may involve family therapy, psychotherapy (talk therapy), medicine, or combined medicine and therapy. The kind of treatment a child receives depends on the type of depression they have, how severe it is, how long they have experienced the symptoms, their age and other factors specific to them and their family. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
It is important to have a checklist for the college freshman’s health and safety needs. Here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics.| HealthyChildren.org
The American Academy of Pediatrics describes how physicians and the public can help boost the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims.| HealthyChildren.org
Emergency Medical Services (EMS) is a system of trained medical professionals who handle out-of-hospital emergencies. Learn when you should call EMS for your child.| HealthyChildren.org
When to call 911, what to do until help arrives & other tips for surviving a medical emergency – plus AAP policies that aim to improve trauma care for all kids.| HealthyChildren.org
Taking your child to the hospital can be stressful, whether it's for a medical emergency or routine procedure. Here are answers to common questions parents have and what they can expect if their child is admitted.| HealthyChildren.org
If an adult or a child over is in cardiac arrest (not responsive, not breathing and no pulse), you should begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with chest compressions, and yell for someone to call 911 and get an AED.| HealthyChildren.org
Medical providers can prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector for a child at risk of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis).| HealthyChildren.org
injuries-emergencies~The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) gives 10 tips to help you know what to expect and be better prepared when your time comes to visit the emergency room.| HealthyChildren.org
When your child is sick or hurt, it can be difficult to tell whether an urgent care or emergency department is the best choice.| HealthyChildren.org
Strength training (or resistance training) uses a resistance to increase an individual’s ability to exert force. The following are answers from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to common questions about strength training.| HealthyChildren.org
About 50% to 55% of a teen athlete’s daily energy requirement should come from carbohydrates. A carbohydrate snack or a drink of juice right after a training session helps to replace the glycogen in muscles. Carbohydrates at the next meal will help to keep the muscles primed for training.| HealthyChildren.org
A teen’s fitness program should include aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, basketball, bicycling, swimming, in-line skating, soccer, jogging—any continuous activity that increases heart rate and breathing.| HealthyChildren.org
Adolescence can be a challenge for parents. Your teen may at times be a source of frustration and exasperation, not to mention financial stress. But these years also bring many, many moments of joy, pride, laughter and closeness.| HealthyChildren.org
Roughly a quarter of lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood and adolescence. Kids spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the summer, so its important to build some sun-safe habits that don't take away from the fun of outside play.| HealthyChildren.org
Whether your family's favorite beach spot is near the ocean or the edge of a river or lake, here are ways to make sure that health hazards don't spoil your good time. Learn how to keep kids safe.| HealthyChildren.org
Within the past decade, there has been a major change in infant's and children's liquid acetaminophen products (such as Tylenol) available on store shelves. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
Most swimming-related orthopedic injuries are related to overuse and are seen in competitive athletes. However, many injuries can be prevented. Use the following tips and guidelines to help keep your athlete safe.| HealthyChildren.org
Your child doesn’t actually have to be burned to be harmed by the sun. The effects of exposure build over the years, so that even moderate exposure during childhood can contribute to wrinkling, toughening, freckling, and even cancer of the skin in later life. Here's how you can protect your child's skin and what to do if they get a sunburn.| HealthyChildren.org
A fever is a common sign of illness in children. Under certain circumstances of high fever, you should contact your child's pediatrician immediately. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
Skin cancer is rare in children. However, following safe-sun practices is the best way to protect children from developing skin cancer later in life. For adults, it's a good idea to get regular skin-cancer screenings beginning as early as their 20s. Most children do not need regular skin exams by a dermatologist to monitor for skin cancer unless they have certain risk factors.As a parent, here's what you should know about skin cancer.Basal-cell carcinoma, squamous-cell carcinoma, and mal...| HealthyChildren.org
While sunlight can be damaging to the skin, artificial sunlight in tanning salons can be particularly dangerous. Stay safe with these tips from HealthyChildren.org, the website for parents from the American Academy of Pediatrics.| HealthyChildren.org
Learn how to stop sunurn before it happens and keep your baby happy, safe, and smiling.| HealthyChildren.org
Sickle cell trait is an inherited condition that can be tricky to understand. It is not the same as sickle cell disease, red blood cell disorders that affect hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. In fact, sickle cell trait is not a disease at all. Rather, people with sickle cell trait are born with and carry one gene for sickle cell hemoglobin and one for regular hemoglobin. Learn about what this means for a child who has the condition.| HealthyChildren.org
Before your baby is born, talk to your pediatrician about which screening tests your baby will undergo, including their benefits and any risks, and ask if it is necessary for you to consent to this testing.| HealthyChildren.org
Approximately 1 in 285 children in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 20. The most common cancers among children and adolescents vary by age. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
In the United States, the majority of children with cancer are cured. Around 80% end up becoming long-term survivors. While these statistics are encouraging, it’s scary when your child gets a cancer diagnosis. Here are answers to common questions about the role of genes in childhood cancer.| HealthyChildren.org
There are things you can do to ensure the healthiest possible pregnancy and reduce the risk of birth defects. Here are five!| HealthyChildren.org
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding of infants for the first six months of life before introducing nutritious complementary foods, while encouraging social and systemic changes to support mothers who choose to breastfeed.| HealthyChildren.org
You may be able to hold your baby in the NICU as soon as she is stable. If so, you may be interested in skin-to-skin care, also called kangaroo care.| HealthyChildren.org
One of the most common questions new parents have is how often their baby should eat. Find answers here.| HealthyChildren.org
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) helps parents determine the signs that your baby is getting enough milk.| HealthyChildren.org
Breast milk is the food naturally designed to best meet the needs of human babies. It has all the necessary nutrients, in just the right amounts, and is easy to digest. Beyond the nutritional benefits, here's a great bonus: Breast milk also helps build and support your baby's immune system. Read on to learn how.| HealthyChildren.org
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses the importance of good nutrition in a baby's first 1000 days, especially for brain development.| HealthyChildren.org
Discomfort from teething, which may begin as early as 3 months, can wake a baby. The gums around the emerging teeth may be swollen and tender. Find tips that can help.| HealthyChildren.org
Teething usually starts between four and seven months. However, there is great variability in the timing of teething so don't worry if your child does not have teeth by this age.| HealthyChildren.org
Find something for your little gnawer that’s cool to touch but tough to chew on. Here are some great ideas!| HealthyChildren.org
Depending on your child's symptoms, you usually should contact your child's pediatrician for advice. Early recognition and treatment of symptoms can prevent an illness or injury from getting worse or turning into an emergency.| HealthyChildren.org
Water-absorbing gel beads sold as children's toys and used in vases and gardens are a growing problem among young children.| HealthyChildren.org
Each year thousands of children are injured by toys. Read on to learn what to look for when buying toys that are safe.| HealthyChildren.org
Thousands of children are treated in emergency rooms each year after ingesting button or lithium coin batteries. As more homes use small electronics, the risk of these batteries getting into the hands of curious and crawling infants and young children increases. Learn how to help protect children from devastating injuries ingested button batteries can cause.| HealthyChildren.org
A fever is usually caused by infections from viruses (such as a cold or the flu) or bacteria (such as strep throat or some ear infections). The fever itself is not the disease, only a sign that the body’s defenses are trying to fight an infection.| HealthyChildren.org
Abdominal pain in children can be caused by a variety of things. Some common causes are constipation, urinary tract infections and emotional upset.| HealthyChildren.org
The earlobe is the most universal site for body piercing—but it's definitely not the only option out there. A 2010 Pew survey found nearly 25% of teenagers have a piercing somewhere other than an earlobe. The tongue, lips, nose, eyebrows, nipples, navel (belly button), and genitals can all be pierced.| HealthyChildren.org
Busy nights juggling sports, dance class, homework, and work or school events can create the perfect storm for making some regrettable food choices. Learn what to eat and when.| HealthyChildren.org
Parents can break the cycle of excess sugar by making some simple changes overtime. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
Ever wonder how many calories your child really needs? Use these charts to get an idea of how many calories your child needs per day and how much food from each food group to serve each day.| HealthyChildren.org
Parents need to understand that it is “less important what you say, and more important that you listen.”| HealthyChildren.org
If you have a mental disorder and are considering having children or already have children, one of the questions you are probably asking yourself is whether you could pass your mental disorder on to your child.| HealthyChildren.org
The timing of your baby's very first bath has changed over the last few years. Learn more about this, as well as get answers to other parent FAQs on baby bath timing, frequency, and safety.| HealthyChildren.org
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No matter how hard you try to keep the peace, your children are likely to fight over toys, tattle on one another, and tease and criticize each other. Sibling rivalry is a natural part of growing up. Here are some tips on managing conflict between your children.| HealthyChildren.org
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Being prepared and knowing the signs of an allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can save a child's life. At any age, anaphylaxis can be deadly without immediate medical help. Read on.| HealthyChildren.org
We’ve moved from peanut-free lunch tables to peanut-free schools—and many camps and afterschool programs have banned anything peanut too. Finally we may have an answer, and it is the simplest answer of all: eating peanuts.| HealthyChildren.org
In an effort to appropriately treat anaphylaxis—a potentially life-threating, severe allergic reaction—the American Academy of Pediatrics developed a clinical report to explain to pediatricians and other health care providers how to create and use the new AAP Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan. Learn more here. | HealthyChildren.org
Whether on the school playground or in the neighborhood park, children sometimes find themselves the target of bullies. When that happens, these bullies can not only frighten a youngster, but they can also cause bodily injury.| HealthyChildren.org
Learn about common signs and symptoms of depression among children and teens, and how to help your child.| HealthyChildren.org
The number of teens with anxiety disorders has been rising steadily―along with hospital admissions for teens who are suicidal. This leaves parents, teachers, and anyone who interacts with these kids with many concerning questions. Read on.| HealthyChildren.org
Teens may think they know all about today's media, but they may not know enough about viewing and interacting with media safely and wisely. As a parent, it is your job to talk with your teen about smart and safe media use.| HealthyChildren.org
We need to prepare our kids to refuse offers of alcohol and other drugs–preferably without alienating their peers, although sometimes that isn't possible.| HealthyChildren.org
Sextortion scams typically target teenagers, with devastating effects. Pretending to be around the victim's age and interested in a relationship, the online scammer sends an explicit photo and asks for one in return. If the victim sends one, the scammer then blackmails them. Here's what parents need to know.| HealthyChildren.org
Use this Family Media Plan to create a personalized plan for how all kinds of media are used in your family. | HealthyChildren.org
Be prepared in case you ever need to call 911 and know what to expect when you do; this can help rescue crews get there as quickly as possible to help.| HealthyChildren.org
Constipation is a common problem in children. Kids with constipation may have stools (poops or bowel movements—BMs) that are hard, dry and difficult or painful to get out. Some children with constipation have infrequent stools. Read on for more information about constipation (signs and symptoms, causes and treatment) and how to help your child develop good bowel habits.| HealthyChildren.org
Protein is essential for growth, energy, and tissue repair. Athletic performance depends on muscle strength, and muscles are made of protein. Although athletes who are involved in strength and endurance training may need slightly more protein, it’s a mistake to think you can simply build up muscles by eating lots of protein. Exercise, not dietary protein, increases muscle mass.| HealthyChildren.org
Sunscreen can help protect the skin from sunburn and some skin cancers but only if used correctly. Keep in mind that sunscreen should be used for sun protection, not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.| HealthyChildren.org
Every year, roughly 2,000 babies are born with sickle cell disease, the most common inherited blood disorder in the United States. Children with sickle cell disease experience episodes of severe pain and ongoing medical challenges. Early and ongoing medical care can minimize complications and help children with the disorder lead full and active lives. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
If your child or teen has a blood disease or cancer, a pediatric hematologist/oncologist has the experience and qualifications to evaluate and treat your child or teen.| HealthyChildren.org
It is important for parents to learn as much as they can about their family health history in order to have a complete record for your child throughout their life. Here's why it's important and how to gather the information.| HealthyChildren.org
If members of your family have had heart disease at an early age, your child may be at risk for early-onset heart disease.| HealthyChildren.org
Loose magnets and high-powered magnetic toys designed for adults can cause serious injuries and lifelong impacts for children and teens.| HealthyChildren.org
On average, sugar makes up 17% of what children consume each day. That's a lot of sugar―and half of that comes from drinks with added sugar! Here are ideas for how you can help your family reduce their added sugar intake.| HealthyChildren.org
What you offer your child to drink in the first 5 years of life can shape taste preferences for lifetime. But from plant-based and toddler milks to 100% juice, stevia-sweetened fruit drinks and flavored milk, the options and the marketing can be overwhelming. We make it simple. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
The nutritional content in the various dairy alternative products is important for parents to be aware of when shopping. Choices range from other animal-based beverages (i.e. goat's milk) to products made from nuts (i.e. almond milk), beans (i.e. soy milk), grains, and other plants. | HealthyChildren.org
While it’s true that sleep needs vary from one person to another, there are some very reasonable, science-based guidelines to help you determine whether your child is getting the sleep he or she needs to grow, learn, and play. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
A food allergy happens when the body reacts against harmless proteins found in foods. Food allergies are most common in babies and children, but they can occur at any age. They also occur more often in children who have other allergies or who have family members with allergies. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
Just as you’d have “the sex talk,” you should also should begin the difficult conversation about sexting before a problem develops.| HealthyChildren.org
Parents have a key role to play in determining the nature of their children and teens' video game use, both in terms of monitoring content and the amount of time spent playing them. Get tips and learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
With more kids than ever using cell phones and other digital devices to text, post, and chat, cyberbullying is a growing concern. But there are things parents can do to keep online socializing healthy for their children.| HealthyChildren.org
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) discusses important information for parents on the adverse effects of media exposure on children and teens.| HealthyChildren.org
Roughly 18% of 8- to 12-year-olds and 62% of 13- 18-year-olds reported using social media sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, Discord and Reddit every day in 2021. Among adolescents and young adults, an 90% use one or more social media platforms. You may wonder how social media may impact your child's mental health. Research suggests it depends on how they use it. Read on to learn more.| HealthyChildren.org
Deciding when to give your child their first phone can be tough for parents. Smartphones, in particular, offer a portal to the internet, apps and social media. You may not feel your child is ready for that much access to the digital world. Yet, you may want to get your child a phone for the basics: having a way to contact you when they’re traveling between school, after-school activities or different households. Here are tips to help you know if your child is ready.| HealthyChildren.org
In the case of children's exposure to violent media, the science clearly confirms what we already suspect: what children watch and play changes how they behave. Anything parents can do to reduce aggressive behavior is well worth the effort. Find more information and tips here.| HealthyChildren.org
The American Academy of Pediatrics discusses why video games are so appealing to kids and what parents can do to keep gaming from becoming an unhealthy habit.| HealthyChildren.org
In a new policy statement on the effects of digital advertising on children, the American Academy of Pediatrics highlights how in today’s digital landscape, marketing messages reach young people in less obvious but more direct ways.| HealthyChildren.org
power-of-play~Learn about some of the ways different types of play help children build different developmental skills that help lay the groundwork for resilient little humans (and parents).| HealthyChildren.org
Enjoy the time you spend with your child. You don’t need much time or expensive lessons or toys to participate in any of the activities listed!| HealthyChildren.org
Enjoy the time you spend with your child. You don’t need much time or expensive lessons or toys to participate in any of the activities listed!| HealthyChildren.org
nutrition~Along with milk, plain water is the best drink choice for kids. The American Academy of Pediatrics explains why.| HealthyChildren.org
There are steps parents can take to lower their child's risk of too much lead, arsenic and other toxic metals in their diet. Learn more here.| HealthyChildren.org
Avoid battles when it comes to getting protein into your child’s diet. Here are a few things about protein that you may not know and some ideas to make mealtimes easier.| HealthyChildren.org
Here are some guiding principles to keep in mind when planning and preparing meals for the family, based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.| HealthyChildren.org
