Forming healthy eating habits
- Offer fruits and vegetables at meals and snacks.
- Give your child new foods to try.
- Let your child choose how much they eat.
- Limit fast food. Help your child with healthier food choices when you eat out.
- Offer water when your child is thirsty. Avoid juice and soda pop.
- Remove screens when eating. Make meals a time for family to connect.
Practicing healthy habits
- Help your child brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day.
- Put sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) on your child before going outside.
- Do not let anyone smoke around your child.
- Put your child to bed at about the same time every night.
Keeping your child safe
- Use a car seat or booster seat. Install it in the back seat.
- Make sure your child wears the right safety gear, such as a helmet, if they ride a bike or scooter.
- Watch your child around water and busy roads.
- Make sure you know where your child is and who is watching your child.
- Keep guns away from children. If you have guns, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.
Parenting your child
- Read and play games with your child every day.
- Give your child chores to do.
- Praise good behavior. Do not yell or spank.
- Don't let your child watch violent TV or videos.
- Don't use food as a reward or punishment.
- Set a regular before- and after-school routine.
Teaching your child to be safe
- Make sure your child knows your home address, your phone number, and how to call 911.
- Teach your child not to let anyone touch their private parts.
- Teach your child not to take anything from strangers and not to go with strangers.
Dealing with bullying
- If your child is afraid of someone, listen to their concerns. Tell them to try to stay calm, talk things out, or walk away.
- If your child bullies another child, explain that you are upset with that behavior and that it hurts other people.
Getting vaccines
- Make sure your child gets all the recommended vaccines.