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Parents & Caregivers
November, 2007
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is just around the corner - and this issue of Growing Great Girls has lots of helpful information for busy families on the go. From how to talk to your 13- to 18-year-old to egg allergies and strep throat, you'll find lots of interesting tidbits this month!
Teens
Menstrual Problems
For a girl, getting her first period is a sign of becoming a woman. But it can also be confusing, particularly if she encounters certain menstrual problems like irregular periods or PMS.
Communication and Your 13- to 18-Year-Old
Teens spend much of the day outside the home, but it's important that you take time every day to talk with your teen to share opinions, ideas, and information.
In the News: Girls Should See OB/GYN in Early Teens, Doctors Say
To help teen girls learn how to maintain good sexual health, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is recommending that they see a gynecologist when they are 13-15 years old.
General Health
Your Child's Habits
Nail biting, hair twirling, thumb sucking, nose picking, breath holding - these habits may be annoying, but they're rarely cause for alarm. Find out what causes common childhood habits and how to deal with them in this article for parents.
Alternative Medicine and Your Child
Alternative medicine includes herbal remedies, teas, supplements, and acupuncture. Learn what the risks are and whether alternative therapies can help your child.
Healthy Eating
Good nutrition and a balanced diet will help kids grow up healthy. Whether your child is a toddler or a teen, you can improve nutrition and encourage smart eating habits.
Fitness & Nutrition
After-School Snacks
If your kids come in from school and head straight for the kitchen for something to eat, here's how to make sure they still have room for a healthy dinner.
Do You Know How to Feed Your Child Athlete?
All kids need to eat balanced meals and have a healthy diet. But should that balance change if your child is on a sports team or working out? Maybe. Find out more about feeding your child athlete.
How Can I Get My Child to Eat Vegetables?
Many kids shun veggies. How can parents make sure they get enough nutrients each day?
Emotions & Behavior
How Can I Help My Child Deal With a Bully?
Some kids hate going to school because they get picked on by bullies. How can parents help?
Anxiety, Fears, and Phobias
Experiencing and dealing with anxieties can prepare young people to handle the unsettling experiences and challenging situations of life.
For Teens: Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that affects some people and appears at the same time each year.
Allergies & Asthma
Smoking and Asthma
Being a smoker is an obvious risk for kids and teens with asthma, but just being around people who smoke - and breathing in secondhand smoke - can cause problems, too. Parents can help by protecting them from the effects of tobacco smoke.
Egg Allergy
Because eggs are used in many of the foods kids eat, an egg allergy can pose challenges for parents.
Allergic Reactions Instruction Sheet
Although most allergic reactions aren't serious, severe reactions can be life-threatening and can require immediate medical attention.
Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes: What Is It?
Every year in the United States, 13,000 children are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. With some practical knowledge, you can become your child's most important ally in learning to live with the disease.
For Kids: Can Diabetes Be Prevented?
Diabetes is a health problem that affects kids of all ages, but you can't catch it like a cold. In some cases, diabetes can be prevented. Find out how in this article for kids.
For Teens: Meal Plans and Diabetes
People who have diabetes don't need to be on strict diets, but they do need to pay attention to when they eat and what's on their plates. Crack open the cookbooks and surf to your favorite recipe web site because it's time to plan meals that you love!
Elementary Schoolers
Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection that's very common among kids and teens. With the proper medical care, along with plenty of rest and fluids, your child should be back to school and play within a few days.
Vision Facts and Myths
Old wives' tales abound about the eyes. From watching TV to eating carrots, here's the lowdown on some vision facts and fiction.
For Kids: Does Eating Turkey Make Me Sleepy?
After that second helping of Thanksgiving dinner, you feel a little sleepy. Could turkey be to blame? Find out in this article for kids!
Preschoolers
Household Safety: Preventing Cuts
It's normal for kids to get scrapes and cuts on the playground, but they must be protected from sharp and dangerous items around and outside the home. Read about ways to prevent cuts from common household objects.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection characterized by blisters that may itch. Find out the facts about impetigo.
Nosebleeds
A nosebleed can be scary, but it's rarely cause for alarm. Most nosebleeds are caused by blowing, picking, or a blow to the nose during play. Learn more about nosebleeds in this article for parents.
Babies & Toddlers
Laundering Your Baby's Clothes
Once a baby arrives, it can seem as if the laundry doubles! Many parents think they need to use baby detergent to clean their baby's clothes, but in most cases, this isn't necessary.
Bonding With Your Baby
Bonding, the intense attachment that develops between you and your baby, is completely natural. And it's probably one of the most pleasurable aspects of infant care.
Temper Tantrums
Temper tantrums range from whining and crying to screaming, kicking, hitting, and breath holding. They are equally common in boys and girls and usually occur from age 1 to 3. Get the facts on temper tantrums in this article for parents.
Stay Tuned!
Stay tuned for December's Growing Great Girls newsletter which will be filled with information on how you and your family can have a wonderful holiday season!
Important Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
See you next time!
Content last updated March 15, 2008
