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Child's Well Visit, 5 Years: Care Instructions

Your child may like to play with friends and have an interest in connections between people. They may be a great little storyteller.

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Your child may know the names of things around the house and what they're used for. Your child can learn their own home address and your phone number.

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They may be able to copy shapes like triangles and squares. And they might like to count on their fingers.

Forming healthy eating habits

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  • Offer healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.

  • Let your child choose how much they eat. If they aren't hungry, it's okay for them to wait until the next meal or snack.

  • Offer water when your child is thirsty. Avoid juice and soda pop.

  • Remove screens when eating. Make meals a time for family to connect.

Being active as a family

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  • Let your child play and be active for at least 1 hour every day.

  • Visit the park. Go for walks and bike rides together, if you can.

Practicing healthy habits

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  • Help your child brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Take them to the dentist twice a year.

  • Limit screen time to 2 hours or less a day.

  • Don't smoke or let others smoke around your child.

  • Put your child to bed at about the same time every night.

Keeping your child safe

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  • Always use a car seat or booster seat. Install it in the back seat.

  • Make sure your child wears a helmet if they ride a bike or scooter.

  • Teach your child not to talk to strangers.

  • Keep guns away from children. If you have guns, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.

Parenting your child

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  • Read and play games with your child often.

  • Let your child help with simple chores, like making their bed.

  • Praise good behavior. Don't yell or spank. Your child learns from watching and listening to you.

  • Don't use food as a reward or punishment.

Getting vaccines

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  • Make sure your child gets all the recommended vaccines.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Current as of: October 24, 2023

Content Version: 14.0

Care instructions adapted under license by your healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or this instruction, always ask your healthcare professional. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

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