IMMUNIZATIONS:  Menactra (only if not given at ages 11 and/or 15)

Welcome to the adolescent years. In some ways they are easier, but in some ways they are harder. The process of slowly allowing your child to become an adult can be very difficult for some parents. With a little patience you will survive these years with your sanity intact.

As with any age, diet is a concern for the adolescent. As a whole, they eat a lot but of the wrong things. It is important that the parent imparts healthy eating habits at this time because these will be the adolescent's eating habits for the rest of his/her life. The main way a parent can affect changes in diet is through good example and by purchasing mainly healthy foods for the home. Many adolescents at this time are worried about their weight. If your child expresses this worry discuss it with them. Together you may come to a rational plan for weight reduction. If you have any questions on how to accomplish this, please ask. If your child thinks he/she is overweight when he/she is obviously thin, you need to contact us. This could possibly be a sign of an eating disorder. Other signs of eating disorders are self induced vomiting, excessive exercise and chronic laxative use. After their first period, all girls should get 1500 mg of calcium per day to prevent osteoporosis. One glass of milk has 300 mg of calcium.

Exercise and sleep are important to us all. Again habits established now will be life long. Some ways a parent can aid in establishing these habits is to involve the entire family (i.e. bike rides, walks) and to minimize TV, VCR, computer games, etc.

Drugs are often a concern for parents during these ages. Some signs of drug use are a fall in grades, changes in behavior, changes in friends, and withdrawing from activities. These signs may also be seen in other problems such as depression. If you are worried about drug use or depression, talk to your child in a non-threatening, non-accusing way. If you think your child is having a drug problem, please contact our office. Remember cigarettes are also a drug. The tobacco companies know that if they can get a person smoking/chewing before age twenty, they will probably be addicted for life. Most adolescents do not respond to health arguments. Stressing the economics of smoking may help. The two pack a day smoker will spend $60,000 on cigarettes alone. This does not include the increase in life insurance or health costs. If you smoke, try to quit. The "Do as I say, not as I do" argument does not work at any age.

The driver's license is often the most feared (by the parent) and anticipated (by the child) rite of passage at this age. Something you can do to decrease your anxiety about your child's driving skills (or lack of) is to travel as a passenger with your child driving whenever the opportunity arises. This will allow you to assess her/his skill level and will allow you to give some friendly advice. Always make sure everyone wears their seat belts.

Driving under the influence is all too common at this age. Some parents have offered to pick up their adolescent without question if called. This allows the teen a way out if he/she is under the influence or if his/her ride (date, friend, friend's parent) is under the influence.

Sex is a very major concern for adolescents at this age. More than 50% of graduating seniors have had sexual intercourse at least once. Parents of both sexes should attempt to discuss this as openly as they can with the teen, no matter how uncomfortable this may be. Do express your beliefs, no matter how unpopular, in a non-preaching manner. Even though you may not get a lot of feedback, at least the lines of communication are open. All women should have their first gynecological exam at eighteen or with the onset of sexual activity, whichever comes first.

Often school at this age becomes more difficult especially in light of social activities. Set definite educational goals with your child. Also discuss some plan of action if these goals are not met.

Some important life skills to teach your adolescent in these years are money and time management. Involve your child in the family's financial discussions. Also allow them to handle their own money (and to make mistakes). This will allow you to give advice. Try not to say, "I told you so." This advice goes for time management as well. Most people fail college secondary to poor time management skills not due to inability to learn.

Talking with an adolescent can be hard. Often the only answers you will get are a shoulder shrug, "nothing", or "fine." You should talk to your teen from the standpoint of their parents, not their friend, but in a manner that invites dialogue. Often you can get an adolescent to open by sharing some fears, hopes, and dreams you had growing up. Allow your teen privacy. Adolescence is a time that the child defines (painfully) his or herself. Finally, saving face is very important to the teen, so praise in public and correct in private. Have fun and good luck.