Raising children is a big job. It can be overwhelming to think about all the things your child needs to learn to stay safe and healthy.
In addition to teaching children good eating and activity habits, you can also teach them some basic health and safety habits.
Remember that your child learns habits by watching you. If you and the rest of your family follow healthy habits, your child will learn them from you. And if you have bad habits, your child will learn those too.
Help your children learn to:
Kids get dirty. They play with other kids who may be sick. Teaching them the following habits will keep them healthier:
The world can be a dangerous place. But you can teach your children habits that will help keep them safer:
Peer pressure is powerful. Your children likely will get to know others their age who use drugs or alcohol, who smoke, or who take part in dangerous behaviors like driving too fast. Your child will have an easier time dealing with peer pressure if he or she has learned some good habits.
Teach your children to:
Talking about sex can be awkward, but the earlier you start the discussion, the better prepared your child will be to make safer decisions about it. The best time to begin the discussion about sex is when your child is in elementary school.
Teens need to learn healthy habits if they are sexually active. For example:
Current as of: August 31, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:John Pope MD - Pediatrics & Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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