Healthy Highlights
Monitoring Children’s Social-Media Use
For adults and children, interacting with some form of social media has become a daily part of life. Therefore, parents need to stay well informed in order to ensure online safety for their children as they use social media and technology. Understanding how technology works, implementing safety features, and staying informed about and even getting…
Sweeten Their Future, Not Their Drinks
When considering a healthy diet for children, we often think about the food they eat, but we also need to think about the beverages they drink. While we may focus on food when planning a healthy diet, understanding that sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), such as sodas and fruit juices, can significantly impact a child’s health and…
Mental Health: Important for Parents and Children
In 1992, the World Federation for Mental Health established the first World Mental Health Day, which continues today and is held annually on October 10th (WMHD, 2024). On this day, various organizations, governments, and individuals work together to increase awareness of the mental health challenges people around the globe face each day and to create…
Fitness Personalities of Children–Aligning Parental Expectations
Engaging in regular physical activity is important for the health and well-being of children and aids in their cognitive and social-emotional development (Committee on Physical Activity and Physical Education in the School Environment et al., 2013). Encouraging children to be active at an early age can help them establish and build a foundation that could…
Helping your Teen Navigate Social Media
Social media can enhance connections and impact relationships and experiences for the individuals who use it. Though many age groups use social media, the Pew Research Center (2024) has found that nearly 9 in 10 teens used at least one form of social media. It was also found that around 60% of teens this age…
When Should You Get Your Child a Cell Phone?
Determining when to buy your child their first cell phone may be a challenging decision for parents today. With so many factors to consider—from safety and social pressures to your child’s maturity level and the potential risks of technology—you may feel overwhelmed. To help guide you in making your decision, you may want to consider…
Creating a Family Blog
One way for family members to connect is to write a blog together. Discussing and writing about important events and meaningful moments, in a blog, can help a family stay connected with each other, friends, and extended family members. Creating a blog with your child can also provide opportunities for your child to be creative…
Fireworks Safety
Fireworks entertain millions of people and add sparkle to events throughout the year. They are often enjoyed at sporting events, weddings, and concerts. Yet, traditionally, fireworks are most often used in the United States to celebrate the Fourth of July. Large fireworks displays occur in communities across the country, and some families ignite fireworks in…
Desensitization to Violence: A Parent’s Role
In today’s digital age, the question of whether children, adolescents, and young adults are becoming desensitized to violence, hatred, and intolerance may be rhetorical. Exposure to violent and negative content on various media platforms can have a profound impact on how people (especially, possibly, children) perceive and react to real-world violence. Let’s discuss desensitization, its…
One-on-One Activities with Your Young Child
One-on-one activities are back-and-forth social interactions that you can engage in with your child. These activities can help foster a sense of safety, trust, and freedom in your child and encourage them to explore the world. Having positive interactions with your child allows them to build a secure bond with you and lays the foundation…