Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family
Nutrition and Physical Activity
Staying Healthy
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Eat together often as a family.
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Start every day with breakfast.
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Buy fat-free milk and low-fat dairy foods, and encourage 3 servings each day.
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Limit soft drinks, juice, candy, chips, and high-fat food.
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Include 5 servings of vegetables and fruits at meals and for snacks daily.
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Limit TV and computer time to 2 hours a day.
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Do not have a TV or computer in your child's bedroom.
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Encourage your child to play actively for at least 1 hour daily.
Safety
Safety
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Your child should always ride in the back seat and use a booster seat until the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt fit.
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Teach your child to swim and watch her in the water.
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Use sunscreen when outside.
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Provide a good-fitting helmet and safety gear for biking, skating, in-line skating, skiing, snowboarding, and horseback riding.
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Keep your house and cars smoke free.
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Never have a gun in the home. If you must have a gun, store it unloaded and locked with the ammunition locked separately from the gun.
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Watch your child's computer use.
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Know who she talks to online.
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Install a safety filter.
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Know your child's friends and their families.
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Teach your child plans for emergencies such as a fire.
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Teach your child how and when to dial 911.
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Teach your child how to be safe with other adults.
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No one should ask for a secret to be kept from parents.
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No one should ask to see private parts.
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No adult should ask for help with his private parts.
Development and Mental Health
Your Growing Child
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Give your child chores to do and expect them to be done.
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Hug, praise, and take pride in your child for good behavior and doing well in school.
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Be a good role model.
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Don't hit or allow others to hit.
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Help your child to do things for himself.
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Teach your child to help others.
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Discuss rules and consequences with your child.
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Be aware of puberty and body changes in your child.
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Answer your child's questions simply.
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Talk about what worries your child.
School
School
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Attend back-to-school night, parent-teacher events, and as many other school events as possible.
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Talk with your child and child's teacher about bullies.
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Talk to your child's teacher if you think your child might need extra help or tutoring.
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Your child's teacher can help with evaluations for special help, if your child is not doing well.
Oral Health
Healthy Teeth
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Help your child brush teeth twice a day.
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After breakfast
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Before bed
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Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride.
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Help your child floss her teeth once a day.
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Your child should visit the dentist at least twice a year.
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Encourage your child to always wear a mouth guard to protect teeth while playing sports.