Growth Milestones 6-12 years

Growth Milestones - 6 Years

"The Big First Grader"

Your child has changed from a little one, protected by home, to a first-grader who now must meet the demands and competition of school life. A 6-year-old is eager, active and likes to be on the go. A youngster this age is eager to act independently, but he or she is not yet able to consistently make wise decisions. A 6-year-old needs parental approval, understanding, praise and encouragement. When parents or school push too hard or expect too much, the child may become tense and nervous and develop physical symptoms such as stomach-ache, headache, fatigue and irritability.

Possible Questions for Your Child's Doctor Some of the questions or concerns you may have about your 6-year-old can be raised at this checkup. These might include: Hyperactivity which interferes with school performance. Inability to get along with peers or siblings, or lack of friends. Poor school progress or school avoidance. Being overweight. Bed wetting or soiling. Recurrent nightmares, tics, aggressive behavior, fears. It is not unusual for a 6-year-old to steal money or enticing objects. Speak to your physician if you are concerned about this.	What is ADD? Hyperactivity and ADD Recognizing ADHD Medical causes of Behavior Being overweight can damage self-esteem Encopresis (soiling) Enuresis(bedwetting) Simple Tics Stealing
Parenting and Behavioral Parenting and Behavioral Adults play important roles in the life of children at age 6. Children will develop close relationships with teachers. It can be upsetting to a child when adults they love (including teachers) go through difficult times or changes. Establish rules to be followed at home with respect to: bedtime, TV watching, helping with chores such as setting the table, keeping their room neat. The TV can become a major pastime for the 6-year-old. Don't let it. Television can be a positive resource if watched in small and controlled doses. Always watch TV with your child and explain the differences between reality and fantasy. Spend active time with your child on a daily basis if possible. Especially show interest in your child's daily school activities. At this age, an adult should be present at home (or other arrangements made for adult supervision) when the parents are absent. Praise and encourage the child's activities. Build the child's self-esteem. Show affection. If there are siblings, promote the individual strengths of each child. Promote activities outside the home. Remember that the goal of these activities is to have fun and develop oneself to the greatest capacity. Winning and losing should receive limited attention. Encourage reading. Read to your 6-year-old. Let him or her read to you. Read together. Your example will help reinforce that reading gives pleasure. If you haven't already done so, get a library card and use it.
Development Can bounce a ball 4-6 times; throws and catches. Skates. Can ride a bicycle. Can tie shoelaces. Can count up to 100, print first name, print numbers up to 10 and print a few letters. Knows right from left. Can draw a person with six body parts. Begins to learn some specific sports skills like batting a ball or kicking a soccer ball.
Oral Health Ensure that your child brushes his or her teeth twice a day with a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Regularly supervise tooth brushing. Give your child fluoride supplements as recommended by the your youngster's physician based on the level of fluoride in your drinking water. Learn how to prevent dental injuries and handle dental emergencies, especially the loss or fracture of a tooth. Flossing the teeth before bedtime is recommended. If your child regularly sucks his or her fingers or thumb, begin to intervene gently to encourage discontinuation. Schedule a dental appointment for your child every six months, unless the dentist determines otherwise based on your child's individual needs/susceptibility to disease. As the child's permanent molars erupt, ensure that the dentist evaluates them for application of dental sealants.
Nutrition Your child may develop strong food preferences. A 6-year-old may refuse to eat some foods. This will gradually change as the youngster is exposed to different foods outside your home. Try not to use food as a reward for good behavior. Praise is better. Ensure that your child eats three regular meals and two nutritious snacks per day. Make mealtimes pleasant and companionable. Encourage conversation. Provide nutritious snacks rich in complex carbohydrates. Limit high-fat or low-nutrient foods. Model and encourage good eating habits. Serve a variety of healthy foods and avoid excessive junk food, especially those with "empty" calories such as soft drinks, chips, candy and cookies. Help your child learn to choose appropriate foods, including five servings of fruits and vegetables daily. Encourage your child to eat a balanced breakfast or ensure that the school provides one. Ensure that your child eats a nutritious lunch at school, either through the school lunch program or by packing a lunch. Good table manners take a long time to develop. Model good table manners for your child.
Sleep Ensure that your 6-year-old child gets adequate sleep. For children 6-10 years of age, the suggested bedtime is 8-9 p.m.
Health Promotion Be a role model for your child by having a healthy lifestyle. Encourage regular physical activity. Limit television watching to an average of one hour per day of appropriate programs. Watch the programs together and discuss them. Reinforce with your child's personal care and hygiene. Discourage interest in tobacco products. Parents are very influential in teaching children to avoid tobacco. If a parent smokes, the parent should set a quit date and stop smoking. Modeling nonsmoking is a powerful example with important health consequences. Tell your child that smoking is related to the cause of death for 1 in every 5 people in the U.S.
Immunizations Since immunization schedules vary from doctor to doctor, and new vaccines may have been introduced,it is always best to seek the advice of your child's health care provider concerning your child's vaccine schedule. Annual flu vaccines for children with chronic illnesses like asthma and heart defects. Check with your doctor. Vision and hearing, as well as blood and urine, are usually checked at this visit. Other screening done at this age may include a tuberculin test (if indicated) and blood pressure. If there is a family history of elevated cholesterol, some physicians will also obtain a screening blood test. By this age, most children have received the following immunizations: 5 doses of DTaP vaccine 4 doses of HIB vaccine 2 dose sChickenpox vaccine 4 doses of pneumococcal vaccine (if born after 1999) 3 doses Hepatitis B vaccine 2 doses of MMR vaccine 4 doses of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine 3 doeses of the rotavirus vaccine
►Kidsgrowth Vaccine Guide ►The Vaccines and the Diseases they Prevent ►Keep a record of your child's immunizations. Click to download a blank immunization record) Check your child's progress with our Growth Charts.
Safety Enforce consistent, explicit and firm rules for safe behavior. Continue to ensure that he or she wears a seat belt in the car at all times. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for swimming pools. Teach your child how to swim. Ensure that swimming pools in the child's community, in your apartment complex or at your home, have a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Children should be supervised by an adult whenever they are in or near water. Teach your child how to put on sunscreen before he or she goes outside to play or swim. Continue to keep your child's environment free of smoke. Test smoke detectors to ensure they work properly. Change batteries yearly. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for the home. Conduct fire drills at home. Lock up poisons, matches and electrical tools. Ensure that guns, if in the home, are locked up and ammunition is stored separately. A trigger lock is an additional important precaution. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for getting to and from school. Reinforce with your child pedestrian and neighborhood safety skills. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for bicycles, including use of proper traffic signals. Ensure that he or she always wears a helmet when riding a bicycle. Reinforce the importance of playground safety. Ensure that your child is supervised before and after school in a safe environment. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for interacting with strangers (e.g., answering the telephone or the door, never getting into a stranger's car). Ensure that your child's school curriculum includes information on how to deal with strangers. Teach him or her about sports safety, including the need to wear protective sports gear such as a mouth guard or a face protector.
Sexuality Answer questions at a level appropriate to the child's understanding. Have age-appropriate sexual education books in the home that will answer some questions and encourage your child to ask others.

Growth Milestones - 8 Years

"Half-way Up the Stairs "

The 8-year-old is growing slowly and steadily. You might say they are "half-way up the stairs." Eager, very active and friendly, an 8-year-old is quite mature in many ways; They know right from wrong. They are able to accept moderate responsibilities. They like to be a member of a group. They want a best friend. They want to do well.

Around age 8, your child will enjoy helping with household chores. Having some simple jobs for your child to do is important. It helps to organize his or her time. It also lets the youngster feel a part of the family and gives him or her a sense of importance and accomplishment. Just remember to fit the job to the child's age. Examples of jobs for this age might be: empty the dishwasher, set the table and clean up after dinner, fold clothes and put them away, vacuum the car and dust furniture.

The 8-year-old is looking outside the family for new ideas and activities. Peer groups become important and the child will identify with other youngsters of the same sex and with similar interests and activities. The child will often have a "best" friend - an important milestone in development. The growing influence of peers often presents a challenge to parents. As a parent, you must realize that your 8-year-old is beginning to value his or her peers' opinions as well as yours. But, at this age, parent opinion and values are still the strongest. Keep lines of communication open by not talking down to them, offering reasonable explanations and continuing to give praise and encouragement.

Possible Questions for Your Child's Doctor Some of the questions or concerns you may have about your 8-year-old can be raised at this checkup. These might include: Hyperactivity which interferes with school performance. Concerns about reading or other aspects of school performance. Inability to get along with peers or siblings, or lack of friends. Poor school progress or school avoidance. Being overweight. Bed wetting or soiling. Recurrent nightmares, tics, aggressive behavior, fears. Disobedience, talking back, being uncooperative.	What is ADD? Hyperactivity and ADD Recognizing ADHD Medical causes of Behavior Being overweight can damage self-esteem Encopresis (soiling) Enuresis(bedwetting) Simple Tics Stealing
Parenting and Behavioral Tell your child every day that you love him or her. Always find words of praise that encourage schoolwork and friendship. Use more encouraging than discouraging words when speaking to your child. He or she needs to feel valued in the family and with friends. Provide personal space for your child at home, even if it's limited. Encourage your child to talk with you about school, friends or feelings. Answer his or her questions. Spend individual time with your child, doing something you both enjoy. Enhance your child's experiences through family trips. Help your child develop an ability to deal constructively with conflict and anger in the family, at school and in the neighborhood. Find good friends for your child. Promote interaction and allegiance with peers through participation in social activities, community groups and team sports. Help your child learn how to get along with his or her peers. Talk to your child about the enjoyable and difficult aspects of friendships. While parents should establish fair rules with respect to chores, TV watching, outside activities, homework, bedtime, etc., the number of rules should be kept to a minimum. The role of peers in the life of an 8-year-old increases, and children may resist adult authority at times. The TV can become a major pastime for the 8-year-old. Don't let it. Television can be a positive resource if watched in small and controlled doses. Always watch TV with your child and explain the differences between reality and fantasy. Ensure that an adult is present with your child (or make another appropriate arrangement) when you are not at home. Spend active time with your child on a daily basis, if possible. Especially show interest in your child's daily school activities. Understand the importance of serving as a parental role model. Praise and encourage your child's activities. Build his or her self-esteem. Show affection. If there are siblings, promote the individual strengths of each child. Encourage age-appropriate independence and self-responsibility. Encourage reading. Read together. Your example will help reinforce that reading gives pleasure. If you haven't already done so, get a library card and use it.
Development Able to tell time. Can read for pleasure. Has a sense of humor ("do you know any good jokes? What's your favorite joke?"). Is concerned about rules - good (fair) vs. bad (unfair). Cares for herself, her room, and her belongings; can take responsibility for home chores. Has more control over small muscles, and therefore writes and draws with more skill. Likes to belong to informal "clubs" formed by children themselves. Performs at grade level in all subjects (e.g., scores at the 40th percentile or better on school achievement tests)
Oral Health Ensure that your child brushes his or her teeth twice a day with a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Teach him or her how to floss. Give your child fluoride supplements as recommended by the health professional based on the level of fluoride in your drinking water. Schedule a dental appointment for him or her every six months, unless the dentist determines otherwise based on your child's individual needs/susceptibility to disease. As your child's permanent molars erupt, ensure that his or her dentist evaluates them for application of dental sealants. Teach your child how to handle dental emergencies, especially the loss or fracture of a tooth. Teach your child not to smoke or use smokeless tobacco.
Nutrition Growth in weight and height should remain steady. Report to your physician any rapid weight gain or if there has been no weight gain at all. Allow your child, with supervision, to choose and prepare family meals. This will help teach good food habits. Encourage your child to eat three regular meals per day and nutritious snacks. Share meals as a family on a regular basis. Make mealtimes pleasant and companionable. Encourage conversation. Model and encourage good eating habits. Serve a variety of healthy foods. Teach your child how to choose nutritious snacks rich in complex carbohydrates. Limit high-fat or low-nutrient foods and beverages such as candy, chips or soft drinks. Teach your child how to eat a balanced diet. Teach her to choose plenty of fruits and vegetables; breads, cereals and other grain products; low-fat dairy products; lean meats; and foods prepared with little or no fat. Teach your child how to eat a nutritious lunch at school, either through the school lunch program or by packing a balanced lunch. Children watch what their parents eat, so set a good example.
Sleep Ensure that your 6-year-old child gets adequate sleep. For children 6-10 years of age, the suggested bedtime is 8-9 p.m.
Health Promotion Be a role model for your child by having a healthy lifestyle. Supervise your children's play with their peers. Encourage regular physical activity. Limit television watching to an average of one hour per day of appropriate programs. Watch the programs together and discuss them. Reinforce with your child personal care and hygiene. Discourage interest in tobacco products. Parents are very influential in teaching children to avoid tobacco. If a parent smokes, the parent should set a quit date and stop smoking. Modeling nonsmoking is a powerful example with important health consequences. Tell your child that smoking is related to the cause of death for 1 in every 5 people in the U.S.
Immunizations Since immunization schedules vary from doctor to doctor, and new vaccines may have been introduced,it is always best to seek the advice of your child's health care provider concerning your child's vaccine schedule. Annual flu vaccines for children with chronic illnesses like asthma and heart defects. Check with your doctor. Vision and hearing, as well as blood and urine, are usually checked at this visit. Other screening done at this age may include a tuberculin test (if indicated) and blood pressure. If there is a family history of elevated cholesterol, some physicians will also obtain a screening blood test. By this age, most children have received the following immunizations: 5 doses of DTaP vaccine 4 doses of HIB vaccine 2 dose Chickenpox vaccine 4 doses of pneumococcal vaccine (if born after 1999) 3 doses Hepatitis B vaccine 2 doses of MMR vaccine 4 doses of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine 3 doses of rotavirus vaccine
►Kidsgrowth Vaccine Guide ►The Vaccines and the Diseases they Prevent ►Keep a record of your child's immunizations. Click to download a blank immunization record)
Safety Exploring, experimenting and curiosity lead to accidents and injuries from firearms, falls, automobile accidents and drowning. Anticipate that your child may make errors in judgment because he or she is trying to imitate peers. Educate and reinforce the principles of safety especially since the 8-year-old is usually under less adult supervision. Continue to ensure that your child wears a seat belt in the car at all times. Make sure everyone in the car wears a seat belt. Reinforce safety rules for swimming pools. Teach your child how to swim. Ensure that swimming pools in your child's community, in the apartment complex or at home, have a four-sided fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate. Children should always be supervised by an adult whenever they are in or around water. Ensure that your child puts on sunscreen before he or she goes outside for long periods of time. Continue to keep the child's environment free of smoke. Test smoke detectors to ensure they work properly. Change batteries yearly. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for the home, including what to do when home alone. Discuss visitors, not tying up the telephone for long periods of time, and what to do in case of fire or other emergencies. Conduct fire drills at home. Lock up poisons, matches and electrical tools. Ensure that guns, if in the home, are locked up and ammunition is stored separately. Reinforce your child's knowledge of the neighborhood safety rules. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for bicycles, including use of proper traffic signals. Ensure your child always wears a helmet when riding a bicycle. Ensure that your child is supervised before and after school in a safe environment. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for interacting with strangers (e.g., answering the telephone or the door, never getting into a stranger's car). Ensure that your child's school curriculum includes information on how to deal with strangers. Reinforce sports safety with your child, including the need to wear protective sports gear such as a mouth guard or a face protector. Make sure windows are closed or have screens that can not be pushed out. Do not allow your child to play on a trampoline unsupervised.
Sexuality Have age-appropriate sexual education books in the home that will answer some questions and encourage your child to ask other questions. If your child receives family life education at school or in the community, discuss it with him or her. Answer questions at a level appropriate to your child's understanding. For parents of girls: Prepare your daughter for menstruation.

Growth Milestones - 10 Years

"The Pre-Adolescent"

This age has been called the beginning of pre-adolescence. Children begin to "spread out" as their rate of development accelerates. Some begin to grow rapidly and mature early. In every fifth grade room there will be one or two girls who are already menstruating. By the age of 10, children have informally chosen the leader of their peer group, whether it is the child who plays baseball well, the one who can run fast or the one with new ideas for games. At the same time, those who fail to fit in are often reminded of their faults and pushed aside. 10 year olds have primarily same-sex friends. Friends assume greater importance, and the child's independence from the family is now obvious. This may be a relatively calm period for your child. Pre-adolescents are fairly easy to get along with. They are affectionate with both Mom and Dad. But, at the end of this age, you may begin to notice a change in mood. Get ready! You are about to enter adolescence.

Parenting and Behavioral The 10-year-old is very social. Even though family is important, your child will value his or her friends and their opinions very highly. Supporting and enhancing your child's self-esteem and self-confidence is critical during this period. Children who feel good about themselves are better equipped to withstand negative peer pressure. Parents need to spend time with their child, talk to him or her, and praise him or her for achievements made. Identify your child's strengths and always keep the lines of communication open. A possible conflict arises for parents when they misinterpret the child's alignment with peers. Parents can acknowledge their child's desire for independence by offering increasing responsibility. For example, parents may identify certain tasks as appropriate chores, while allowing the child to decide himself when to complete them. An allowance may also promote your child's growing sense of independence. No one likes to be different. If your 10-year-old is small and skinny and or does not come up to the shoulder of some of his or her classmates, reassure your child that there is nothing wrong and he or she soon will begin to grow. Children this age are usually industrious, helping with household tasks, pet responsibilities and small domestic projects. The 10-year-old enjoys being together. They play board games and cards or watch TV. Your child may want to join a club in your neighborhood or at school. He or she may enjoy an organized group such as scouts or a religious group. As a parent, you should support these kinds of activities in your child's community. School is very important in the life of a 10-year-old and school progress, achievements or problems can become a major issue. Learning problems may not become evident until the later elementary school years, as classroom expectations for performance increase. Some children are apprehensive about the transition into middle school. It is therefore important that parents monitor their child's school progress and keep in touch with teachers and school administrators.

Development Able to tell time. Can read for pleasure. Has a sense of humor ("do you know any good jokes? What's your favorite joke?"). Is concerned about rules - good (fair) vs. bad (unfair). Cares for himself/herself, his/her room and his/her belongings; can take responsibility for home chores. Has more control over small muscles, and therefore writes and draws with more skill. Likes to belong to informal "clubs" formed by children.

Oral Health Ensure that your child brushes his or her teeth twice a day with a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste and flosses. Give your child fluoride supplements as recommended by the health professional based on the level of fluoride in your drinking water. Schedule a dental appointment for the child every six months, unless his dentist determines otherwise based on his individual needs/susceptibility to disease. As your child's permanent molars erupt, ensure that the dentist evaluates them for application of dental sealants. Reinforce with your child how to handle dental emergencies, especially the loss or fracture of a tooth. Reinforce with your child the dangers of smoking and smokeless tobacco.

Nutrition Poor appetite is rarely a problem in this age period. In fact, the reverse is true, especially in girls. Encourage your child to eat three regular meals per day and nutritious snacks. It is especially important during this age period to evaluate your child's food consumption, along with the amount of exercise he or she is doing. Obesity is worrisome in this age. Studies have shown that children who weigh too much at this time are more likely to be overweight as adults. Share meals as a family on a regular basis. Make mealtimes pleasant and companionable. Encourage conversation. Model and encourage good eating habits. Serve a variety of healthy foods. Teach your child how to choose nutritious snacks rich in complex carbohydrates. Limit high-fat or low-nutrient foods and beverages such as candy, chips or soft drinks. Teach your child how to eat a balanced diet. Teach him or her to choose plenty of fruits and vegetables; breads, cereals and other grain products; low-fat dairy products; lean meats; and foods prepared with little or no fat. Teach your child how to eat a nutritious lunch at school, either through the school lunch program or by packing a balanced lunch. Children watch what their parents eat, so set a good example.

Sleep Sleep problems are rare at this age, except for an occasional nightmare. With homework, TV and extra activities, many children are sleep-deficit. Children this age need nine to 10 hours of sleep per night.

Immunizations Since immunization schedules vary from doctor to doctor, and new vaccines may have been introduced,it is always best to seek the advice of your child's health care provider concerning your child's vaccine schedule. Most children have received the following vaccines and no immunizations are usually given at this age:

	5 doses of DTaP vaccine
	4 doses of HIB vaccine
	2 doses of the Chickenpox vaccine
	4 doses of the penumococcal vaccine (If born after 1999)
	3 doses of Hepatitis B vaccine
	2 doses of the MMR vaccine
	4 dose of the Inactivated Polio Vaccine
	3 doses of Rotavirus Vaccine

Annual flu vaccines for children with chronic illnesses like asthma and heart defects. Check with your doctor. Vision and hearing, as well as blood and urine, are usually checked at this visit. Other screening done at this age may include a tuberculin test (if indicated) and blood pressure. If there is a family history of elevated cholesterol, some physicians will also obtain a screening blood test. The physician and his or her staff, as well as the parents, should respect the child's privacy by using appropriate draping during the 10-year examination.

►Kidsgrowth Vaccine Guide ►The Vaccines and the Diseases they Prevent ►Keep a record of your child's immunizations. Click to download a blank immunization record)

Sexuality Do not wait until your child is mature to let him or her in on some of the changes taking place in their classmates. You are wrong if you think a 10-year-old is still too young to talk about such things. An open dialogue with your child about puberty and sex can help ensure he or she learns facts within a framework of values that your family feels is important. If this is uncomfortable for you, ask the child's doctor for help and/or references. If the child receives family life education at school or in the community, discuss it with him or her. Provide additional information as needed. For parents of girls: Prepare your daughter for menstruation. For parents of boys: Prepare your son for wet dreams. Begin to teach the child that delaying sexual behavior is the surest form of protection against disease and pregnancy. Explore the child's understanding of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

Safety Injury prevention should be stressed with the 10-year-old. Preadolescents may engage in dangerous risk-taking behaviors (e.g., dares, drinking, smoking) as a result of peer pressure. Some children are able to influence their peers to engage in dangerous or illegal activities against their better judgment. If the peer group includes older children, the child may encounter pressure to perform acts and take risks for which he or she is not developmentally competent. Recognizing this possibility may help parents teach their children about dealing with negative peer pressure. Continue to teach your child that all firearms are unsafe and should be presumed loaded. Store all weapons unloaded in locked cabinets. Ammunition should be similarly locked but in a different location. Most firearm injuries occur in and about the home. Ask friends if they have a gun in the home. Teach your children the NEW rules of gun safety: Never touch a gun; Every Gun is Loaded; When in doubt, get out. Exploring, experimenting and curiosity lead to accidents and injuries from firearms, falls, automobile accidents and drowning. Anticipate that your child may make errors in judgment because he or she is trying to imitate peers. Educate and reinforce the principles of safety especially since the 10-year-old is usually under less adult supervision. Anticipate that your child may make errors in judgment due to increased risk-taking behavior. Anticipate providing less direct supervision. Continue to ensure that your child wears a seat belt in the car at all times. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for swimming pools. Teach your child how to swim. Ensure that your child puts on sunscreen before he or she goes outside for long periods of time. Continue to keep your child's environment free of smoke. Test smoke detectors to ensure they work properly. Change batteries yearly. Reinforce with your child the safety rules for the home, including what to do when home alone. Discuss visitors, not tying up the telephone for long periods of time and what to do in case of fire or other emergencies. Conduct fire drills at home. Reinforce safety rules for bicycles. Ensure that your child always wears a helmet when riding a bicycle. Reinforce sports safety with your child, including the need to wear protective sports gear such as a mouth guard or a face protector. Teach your child to avoid high noise levels, especially when using music headsets.

Health Promotion Supervise your child's activities with peers. Be a role model for your child by having a healthy lifestyle. Ensure that your child gets adequate sleep. Encourage regular physical activity. Enforce reasonable television/music standards. Supervise your child's personal care and hygiene. Counsel your child about avoiding the use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs. Ensure that your child's school curriculum includes information about substance abuse.

Growth Milestones - 12 Years

"Declaration of Independence"
Nothing in life can prepare parents for the experiences they are about to have with their 12-year-old. What a roller-coaster life it will be for everyone. Your adolescent bounces between childhood and adulthood, being irresponsible and responsible, testing parental authority and then depending on it. Parents often do not know what to expect and many adults find it difficult to understand the adolescent's growing need for independent action, and even for rebellion. Most parents and their children get through it intact and much of what you hear and see in the media is greatly exaggerated. May parents look back and can chuckle.	How to live with an adolescent Adolescent rebellion can be quelled Arguing and Back-talk Creating a back-talk free home How much at risk is your teenager? How are our boys doing? How to help teenage girls blossom Raising self-assured teenage girls Make volunteering a family project Parenting of teens has roots in toddler hood Preparing for the teen years What to expect of your teenager A look at the menstrual cycle for teens. Breast budding in Girls Growing up as a girl Just for guys - all about puberty Puberty - what happens when Tanner Stages of sexual development Talking to kids about puberty When puberty happens early
Parenting and Behavioral Dramatic physical changes are the hallmark of early adolescence and these physical changes are important to your adolescent. They signify that he or she is developing like his or her peers. Generally, girls begin puberty an average of two years earlier than boys. During early adolescence, most girls experience a rapid growth spurt, changes in fat distribution, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics such as pubic hair and breasts. For most boys, the early adolescent period marks only the beginning of the biological changes of puberty, with increased abdominal fat deposits, testicular growth, voice changes and the development of acne, pubic hair and nocturnal emissions. Since many young adolescents are unaware that the onset and rate of puberty vary greatly, they need reassurance that their own growth and development are normal, and they will benefit from learning about the progression of physiological changes. Many young adolescents, preoccupied with their attractiveness, will try to change their appearance through dieting or consumer fad food products. Anorexia and bulimia may occur especially among females. Some males use supplements and steroids for bodybuilding. While some teens exercise regularly and develop bodies that are extremely fit, others remain sedentary and have poor physical fitness. These behaviors are often predictors of fitness habits later in life. Most 12-year-olds focus on social life, friends and school. They continue friendships with members of the same sex. Sometimes, a teenager's best friends becomes a parent substitute and confidante. These friendships, however, may change abruptly, causing hurt feelings. Teens need to learn to respect the rights and needs of others. They should follow family rules, such as those for curfews, television viewing, and chores, and share in household chores. Parents need to serve as a positive ethical and behavioral role model. School activities are important in the life of a 12-year-old adolescent. Social activities often center around sports events. Teens meet together in groups or pairs. Parents should learn the signs of adolescent depression and drug abuse!
Characteristics of "teen friendly" parents: Understands the normal growth and development of adolescents. Praises, approves, supports and shows interest in their adolescent. Attends events in which their son or daughter is a participant. Encourages reasonable independence, friendships and interests outside of the home. Finds time to be with and listen to the adolescent. Establishes realistic expectations for family rules and enforces them, with increasing responsibility given to the adolescent. Establishes and communicates clear limits and consequences for breaking rules. Does not repeatedly warn or threaten. Simply follows the protocol already agreed upon and is consistent. Is present at home or makes arrangements for the adolescent's supervision in the parent's absence. Assigns chores around the home and provides an allowance. Demonstrates interest in the adolescent's school activities and emphasizes the importance of school. Takes pleasure in their son's or daughter's abilities and achievements. Trusts the adolescent and understands what he or she is experiencing. Respects the adolescent's privacy. Does not criticize the other parent. A teen needs to love and respect both parents. Enhances the adolescent's self-esteem by providing praise and recognizing positive behavior and achievements. Minimizes criticism, nagging, derogatory comments and other belittling or demeaning messages. Does not try to be the teens best friend. Remembers that their role is to teach and parent. Shows respect for their teen. Listens to the adolescent's side without interrupting or judging. Gets to know their teen's friends, and avoids making quick judgments based on appearances only. Whenever possible, avoids downgrading his or her friends. Encourages their son or daughter to invite peers home. Allows their son or daughter to make age-appropriate decisions and selections (for example, choosing clothes). Involves their teen in decision making regarding their role in family chores, supervision of younger sibling, etc. Assumes a role in the teen's sex education, perhaps with the help of books recommended by the physician.	Symptoms of Adolescent Depression Tips for spotting adolescent depression The myths and realities of adolescent suicide What to do if a friend talks of suicide Stages of adolescent development Communication tips for parents Family meetings build stronger ties Ego boosters to use on your teen How to talk so your teen will listen Respect - getting what you give Resisting Peer Pressure Tips for raising teenagers Overweight? A weight reduction program Help your teen lose weight Weight can damage self-esteem Is your teen having trouble sleeping at night? Are you an askable parent? It's time for the big talk - now what? Talking to teens about sexuality Keeping your kids substance free Stages of Adolescent substance abuse Seven parenting tips to help your kids avoid drugs Avoiding substance abuse Ecstasy use on the rise What parents should know about ecstasy Marijuana information for Teens 10 things every teen should know about Marijuana The effects of Anabolic Steroid abuse The facts about Cocaine An effective way to reduce teen smoking 55 Reasons not to start smoking What to say if your child is smoking Talking to kids about smoking Kids need encouragement not to smoke Inhalant abuse information for Parents Out of control teen drinking devastating
Traits of the adolescent who is doing well: Believes that he or she will do well. Has self-confidence and a sense of pride and competence. Enjoys close interactions with peers (especially same-sex friendships). Enjoys recreational activities. Recognizes the need for rules and fair play. Is energetic, enthusiastic and vital. Has reasonable athletic ability, or has dramatic, artistic or musical talents. Does well in school or performs at or near ability in school. Takes appropriate responsibility for homework with little prodding. Assumes responsibility for his or her own health. Is comfortable in asking parents questions. Generally cooperative and considerate, although at times is inconsistent and unpredictable.
Oral Health for the Adolescent Brush your teeth twice a day with a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste, and floss daily. Take fluoride supplements as recommended by the health professional based on the level of fluoride in your drinking water. Ask the health professional any questions you have about how to handle dental emergencies, especially the loss or fracture of a tooth. Schedule a dental appointment every six months, unless your dentist determines otherwise based on your adolescent's individual needs/susceptibility to disease. As your permanent molars erupt, ensure your dentist evaluates them for application of dental sealants. Do not smoke or use chewing tobacco.
Nutrition for the Adolescent 12-year-olds seem to eat continuously and appetite rarely is a problem. Unfortunately, many 12- and 13-year-olds consume fast foods daily. They eat snacks that are high in calories and fat. Your adolescent child should eat three meals per day. Breakfast is especially important. Do your best to make sure he or she has a nutritious breakfast daily. Choose a variety of healthy foods. Choose nutritious snacks rich in complex carbohydrates. Limit high-fat or low-nutrient foods and beverages such as candy, chips or soft drinks. Choose plenty of fruits and vegetables; breads, cereals and other grain products; low-fat dairy products; lean meats; and foods prepared with little or no fat. Include foods rich in calcium and iron in your child's diet. Girls may suffer anemia at this time so make sure they are receiving sufficient iron in their diet to replace menstrual losses. Select a nutritious meal from the school cafeteria or pack a balanced lunch. At this age it is especially important to evaluate your 12-year old's food consumption in relation to the amount of exercise he or she does. Obesity can be a problem in 12- and 13-year-olds. Studies have shown that children who are overweight at this age group have a greater chance of being overweight as an adult. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Manage weight through appropriate eating habits and regular exercise
Sleep You may think that your 12-year old "sleeps" his or her life away (especially on weekends), but many children this age are actually sleep-deprived. Children this age need nine-10 hours of sleep per night. Lost sleep can not be made up later.
Sexuality for the Adolescent Find a supportive adult who can give you accurate information about sex. Ask your doctor about any questions you have about body changes during puberty, including variations from individual to individual. Ask any questions you have about birth control or sexually transmitted diseases. Having sexual feelings is normal, but you should wait to have sex. Not having sexual intercourse is the safest way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV infection/AIDS. Learn about ways to say no to sex.
Say "No" to substance use/abuse Do not smoke, use smokeless tobacco, drink alcohol, or use drugs, diet pills or steroids. Do not become involved in selling drugs. If you smoke, discuss smoking cessation with the health professional. Avoid situations where drugs or alcohol are easily available. Support friends who choose not to use tobacco, alcohol, drugs, steroids, or diet pills. Become a peer counselor to prevent substance abuse.
Health Promotion Get adequate sleep. Exercise vigorously at least three times per week. Encourage friends and family members to exercise. Discuss with a health professional or your coach about athletic conditioning, weight training, fluids and weight gain or loss. Limit television viewing to an average of one hour per day.
Immunizations Since immunization schedules vary from doctor to doctor, and new vaccines may have been introduced it is always best to seek the advice of your child's health care provider concerning your child's vaccine schedule. Two important vaccines are offered at this age as well as a booster vaccine of diphtheria-tetanus. The twelve-year old should begin the 3 dose series of HPV (humanpapilomavirus) vaccine and the single dose Meningitis (meningococcal) vaccine. ►Kidsgrowth Vaccine Guide ►The Vaccines and the Diseases they Prevent ►Keep a record of your child's immunizations. Click to download a blank immunization record)	meningococcal vaccine HPV Vaccine
The 12-year old visit Annual flu vaccines for children with chronic illnesses like asthma and heart defects. Check with your doctor. Vision and hearing, as well as blood and urine, are usually checked at this visit. Other screening done at this age may include a tuberculin test (if indicated) and blood pressure. If there is a family history of elevated cholesterol, some physicians will also obtain a screening blood test. Measure and plot on a standard chart the adolescent’s height and weight. Determine the body mass index (BMI). If an adolescent has a BMI greater than the 95th percentile for age and gender, or less than the 5th percentile, refer for dietary assessment and counseling. Adolescents with a BMI between the 85th and 95th percentile need initial evaluation and counseling for obesity. Check your child's progress with our Growth Charts The physician and his or her staff, as well as the parents, should respect the child's privacy by using appropriate draping during the 12-year examination.