IMMUNIZATIONS: Boostrix (combination Tetanus and pertussis), Menactra, Gardasil

                         

The following topics are important to consider when guiding your child.

GOOD HEALTH AND SELF-CARE HABITS

Your child should be doing the following to help develop a healthy lifestyle:

• Eat a well balanced diet and avoid excessive junk food.
• Exercise regularly.
• Brush and floss teeth daily.
• Use seat belts and bicycle helmets appropriately.
• Avoid alcohol, tobacco or drug use.
• Avoid playing with guns.
• Limit TV and video game use.
• Seek answers to questions about sex education at home and/or in school.

SOCIAL INTERACTION

Observe how your child does in the following situations:

• Communication with parents, step parents, adults, siblings.
  Peer relationships.
  Extracurricular activities (sports, youth groups).

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

Does your child finish school work?
Does your child read for pleasure?

GOOD PARENTING PRACTICES

The following suggestions may be helpful:

• Establish rules and expectations.
• Spend active time with your child daily, if possible.
• Praise for good work.
• Show affection.
• Offer an allowance.
• Be a responsible role model.
• Supervise use of power tools and water activity.
• Practice firearm safety.
• Discuss sex education.
• Watch TV with your child, particularly if shows are controversial and discuss them afterwards.