Kids' Health

Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I make my kids emotionally strong?

  它开始with a loving approach when they're very young. Doing things tohelp your baby feel securely attachedto you, like being supportive when they are upset or hurt, fosters emotional regulation skills that stick through adulthood.But don't shield your child from disappointment.Letting little kids make mistakeshelps them practice resilience for when life gets more complicated.

  Remember, children look to parents to see how to feel about the world. If you feel stressed orunable to cope, seek help from a psychologist or licensed social worker to get back on track tomodel the emotional strengthyou want to see in your kids.

  Learn More: Tips for Raising Mentally Strong Kids
• What are the characteristics of a healthy child?

  Healthy kids thrive physically and emotionally. If they aregrowing at a steady pace, that's a good sign they are getting enough to eat.Being alert andattentive in schooland physically active in their free time are indicators that they aresleeping well. Fears, worries, and social challenges are normal, but in mentally healthy children, these issues tend to be mild, fleeting, and not interfere with daily life.

  Learn More: Healthy Habits to Teach Your Child Now
• What does a healthy child need?

  Kids need a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean protein, and mainly water to drink.Children also need about an hour of fairly vigorous physical activity (running, jumping, climbing, or playing sports) each day.Adequate sleep is also essential: school-age children need between 8 and 12 hours, depending on their age.Theirchildhood immunizationsshould be up-to-date, too.

  Don't forget kids' mental and emotional needs. All children deserve safe and secure surroundings, attentive and encouraging teachers and caregivers, the opportunity to interact with other children, and, above all, unconditional love from family.

  Learn More: How to Teach Your Child Healthy Self-Improvement Strategies
• How do I know if my child is healthy?

  Let yourchild's pediatricianand your instincts be your guide. Regular check-ups will ensure your child is hittingdevelopmental milestonesand has healthy hearing, vision, and vital signs. While kids may go throughpicky stagesor growth spurts that may affect their appetite, children who are eating well usually have a fairly steady body mass index (BMI) within the 5th and 85th percentile for their height.Having a generally positive outlook and being able to function well at home, school, and in their communities are key signs of good mental health.

  Learn More: Parents Should Take Early Action Against Child Obesity
• What foods help a child grow taller?

  Genetics, not diet, is mostly what determines your child's current and future height. There's no single food, drink, or vitamin that will cause your child to sprout and grow taller. That said, although it's rare in children in the U.S., malnutrition can stunt children's growth.To make sure your child isgrowing at their fullest potential, serve plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and water instead of sugary drinks.

  Learn More: Three Methods for Predicting Your Child's Height
• How to improve my toddler’s health?

  Take toddlers to check-ups at 12, 15, 18, and 24 months to get childhood vaccinations as well as a standard toddlerdevelopmental screening.As they learn to walk,childproof your homewith child safety locks, stair gates, and electrical outlet covers to keep them safe from common injuries. Limit sweets and screens; the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no more than half a cup of juice each day for all toddlers,noscreen exposurefor children younger than 18 months, and only occasional screen use for those between ages 18 and 24 months.Sharenutritious snacksandstorytimewith them instead!

  Learn More: An Overview of Toddlers
• What does a child need from parents?

  Children lean on their parents for the basics to live: shelter, sufficient food, clothing that keeps them warm and dry, medical care, and protection from physical harm. But to truly thrive, kids need emotional sustenance from you, too. This includesauthentic praise, encouragement to strive to meet their goals, andfirm-but-loving discipline.As your child's most important advocate, you need to speak up for them and support them when challenges inevitably arise.

  Learn More: How to Nurture Your Parent-Child Bond