Child & Teen Health Archive

It’s common to repeat ourselves trying to get children to follow our instructions, but how much of what we are trying to convey does a child truly comprehend? Paying attention to context and using words that make clear what we want are likely to get better results.

With recent data showing that childhood obesity is getting worse, here is some advice for parents on what can be done to help children avoid obesity or get to a healthier weight.

One of the biggest challenges a parent faces is raising a child who is consistently well behaved. Children have varying temperaments, but these suggestions can help guide parents in their efforts.

The Parkland shooting is a painful reminder that too many lives, including those of children, are taken by gun violence and firearm injuries. We all – parents, policymakers, gun owners — can take action to help prevent these tragedies. The American Academy of Pediatrics offers some specific suggestions.

Parents can help protect their children from sexual abuse by teaching children about their bodies and what is and is not appropriate behavior by adults.

Ask the doctor

 Image: © s-c-s/Thinkstock

Q. I keep hearing that concussions can cause problems later in life. Should I be concerned about my grandkids playing sports, particularly football?

A. Sports teach kids many important life lessons, like the value of teamwork and hard work, and the importance of tenacity and resilience. The most popular sport in the United States is football. Yet evidence has emerged that repeated head injuries (common in football) may lead to a brain disease called chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This disease, which currently can be diagnosed only at an autopsy, causes difficulty thinking, severe mood swings, anger, violence — and death.

It’s difficult to understand why teenagers would willingly engage in risky behavior like the Tide Pod Challenge. It’s due to the combination of young brains that are still growing and forming, the need to learn to take risks, and the attention and pressure from social media.

Proper nutrition is crucial for mothers-to-be and their babies, as brain development depends on many nutrients and vitamins, but it’s not always easy or affordable for people to get the healthy foods they need.