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Information for parents and caregivers
February, 2008
Whether your child is in a relationship, getting over one, nursing a crush, or just hanging with friends, with Valentine's Day coming up, there's probably going to be some extra focus on relationships in your house this month.
General Health
Have a Heart-to-Heart With Your Kid About Valentine's Day
Ask 20 kids what love is and you'll get 20 different answers. But ask them what Valentine's Day means and the answer will be the same - candy hearts and sending cards to every kid in school.
How Becoming Parents Affects Your Relationship
The best way to deal with all of the changes that a new baby brings is to be ready for them. So read on and get a handle on what to expect when you have your baby.
Bedtime Basics
A good night's sleep is important for all kids. But what do you do if your child doesn't fall asleep easily? Find tips on getting your child tucked into bed - and what to do if he or she doesn't want to stay there.
Fitness & Nutrition
Sportsmanship
One of the most important goals of kids' sports is helping children develop a sense of good sportsmanship. Find out more in this article.
School Lunches
Use school lunches as a chance to steer your child toward good choices. You can't force a child, but you can make it easier to eat a healthy midday meal.
For Kids: Figuring Out Food Labels
The food label on a food package is a lot like the table of contents in a book - it tells you exactly what the food contains. Read our article for kids for more about food labels.
Emotions & Behavior
How Can I Help My Child Deal With a Breakup?
I'm worried about my daughter. She's been depressed ever since her boyfriend broke up with her about a month ago.
How Can Spirituality Affect Your Family's Health?
Can spirituality promote a healthier physical life for your family? Recent medical studies indicate that spiritual people exhibit less stress and a greater total life satisfaction.
Raising a Future Voter
Whether you have a preschooler, a teen, or anything in between, teaching your kids about voting not only gives them a mini lesson about how our government affects the world we live in, but also shows them that every person's opinion counts.
Teens
Cellulitis
Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues that can affect any area of the body. It begins in an area of broken skin, like a cut or scratch.
Your Daughter's First Gynecological Exam
Most doctors recommend that a young woman have her first gynecologic exam when she turns 18 or becomes sexually active, whichever comes first. The idea of having a pelvic exam may make your daughter feel nervous. There are steps you can take to make her feel more comfortable.
Love and Romance
Loving and being loved adds richness to our lives. When people feel close to others they are happier and even healthier. But what makes a good relationship? Find out here.
Elementary Schoolers
For Kids: Kids Talk About: Love
If you've ever felt embarrassed because you have a crush on someone, you're not alone. Lots of kids say they have turned bright red over the same issue. Find out more in this article for kids.
Is Your Child Too Busy?
Clearly, some kids have too much to do and not enough time to do it. Whatever the culprit, one thing's for sure - something's got to give for some kids. Is your child too busy?
What's Funny to a School-age Child?
Around 6 or 7, kids start to understand language well enough to know that words can have two (or more) meanings. Riddles, jokes, and puns really start to make sense, and are a top source of enjoyment!
Allergies and Asthma
Exercise-Induced Asthma
Up to 90% of kids with asthma have symptoms when they exercise. It makes sense that cigarette smoke and pollen could trigger asthma symptoms, but why exercise?
What if My Child Doesn't Take His or Her Asthma Medication?
One of the best ways to manage asthma, besides avoiding triggers, is to make sure that your child takes his or her medicine as it's been prescribed. The effect of skipping medication will vary depending on what kind it is.
How Do Doctors Test for Allergies?
Learn about how doctors test for allergies.
Diabetes
Definition: Blood Glucose Meter
A blood glucose meter is a small, portable machine that's used to measure how much glucose (a type of sugar) is in the blood.
For Kids: Managing Diabetes
Don't let diabetes get you down. Find out how to take charge of it and keep it under control.
Meal Plans and Diabetes
A child with diabetes benefits from the same kind of healthy diet as people without diabetes, so there's no need for a special diabetes diet. In fact, your whole family can eat the same healthy meals together.
Preschoolers
Flying and Your Child's Ears
That weird ear-popping sensation you feel when you fly is actually normal. It's related to pressure changes in the air space behind the eardrum (the middle ear). So how does that work, exactly?
Kids and Food: 10 Tips for Parents
It's no surprise that parents need some help understanding what it means to eat healthy. Here are 10 simple tips to help you raise a child who has healthy eating habits!
Playground Safety
Playgrounds and outdoor play equipment can provide your child with fun, fresh air, and exercise, but they can also pose some safety hazards. You can make the playground a place that's entertaining and safe for your children by following some simple safety guidelines.
Babies & Toddlers
Diaper Rash
Diaper rash is a very common infection that can cause a baby's skin to become sore, red, scaly, and tender. In most cases, the diaper rash clears up with changes in the diapering routine.
Your Newborn
Your baby is finally here, but where's the instruction manual? Here are some tips to help you care for your baby during the first few months.
Household Safety: Preventing Injuries in the Crib
Your baby will spend a lot of time in the crib, and it's your job to make sure it's always a safe environment. Read about the steps you can take to ensure the safety of your littlest sleeper.
Stay Tuned!
We hope you enjoyed this month's Growing Great Girls newsletter. Stay tuned for next month's edition!
Important Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
Content last updated March 15, 2008
