Positive self-esteem, a supportive family, and positive role models help teens gain confidence to make good choices. Even young children have opinions about substance use. So start early to help your child learn the skills needed to avoid substance use. Be a good role model. As a parent, your attitude toward tobacco...

Discusses teen use of alcohol and other harmful or illegal substances. Covers the effects and consequences substance use has on a teen's life, including physical and emotional health. Includes info on how to recognize and deal with teen substance use.

Parenting a teenager can be both challenging and rewarding. Many teens have conflicting feelings about growing up and aren't yet able to gracefully manage these emotions. They can be inconsistent with their affections, argumentative, and at times even hurtful. As your teen struggles with becoming independent, it is...

One of the hardest things about parenting a child with ADHD is getting your child to do what you ask. ADHD symptoms—trouble paying attention, being impulsive, and being hyperactive—can get in the way of understanding and following instructions. But if your child learns how to overcome or adapt to their symptoms, they...

Childhood is the best time to learn the healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Healthy eating can help your child feel good, stay at or reach a healthy weight, and have lots of energy for school and play. In fact, healthy eating can help your whole family live better. Return to topic: Healthy Eating for Children...

Children usually move in natural, predictable steps as they grow and develop language, cognitive, social, and sensory and motor skills. But each child gains skills at their own pace. It's common for a child to be ahead in one area, such as language, but a little behind in another. At routine checkups, your child's...

Doctors sometimes use the terms "overweight" or "at risk of overweight" to refer to children who weigh more than what is healthy for their height. Doctors use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention growth charts or the body mass index (BMI) to measure a child's weight compared to their height. If you are...

During your adolescent's yearly medical checkup, most doctors: Check your child's height and weight, body mass index, blood pressure, vision, and hearing. Listen to your child's heart and lungs. Also, the doctor will feel the lymph nodes and the thyroid gland in the neck as well as the spleen, liver, and kidneys in the...

There are many ways that adults can help children and teens develop a healthy approach to food and exercise. Avoid punishing or rewarding your children with food. Be a good role model for healthy eating and exercising. Be a good role model by having a positive view of yourself, regardless of your body shape and size. If...

Children of all ages are exposed to ideas about thinness by parents, peers, and other sources. Starting in grade school, children may become more aware of body image as they compare themselves to others. Adolescents often become extremely concerned about their bodies and their weight. This is understandable since...

Teens may start working during the high school years, often starting with a summer job. Work experience can offer many valuable lessons for teens and gives them a sense of independence and accomplishment. They also develop skills they will need to become successful in the adult workforce, such as how to balance time...

Pediatricians are medical doctors who specialize in the care of children. Pediatricians can treat children who have any type of problem, or they may specialize in specific areas, such as: Adolescent medicine (conditions and diseases common to teenagers). Cardiology (diseases and conditions of the heart and blood...

If your child with Down syndrome is an adolescent or young adult between the ages of 13 and 21, you will likely have ongoing questions and concerns. Your doctor can help answer your questions. And he or she can guide you to appropriate resources that can help you manage your feelings and plan for your child's long-term...

Provides links to how-to information about teen health. Includes info on acne, bullying, depression, headaches, and tobacco use. Covers talking with your teen about sex and responding to substance use. Also covers anorexia and bulimia.

Your teen will need a complete evaluation to determine the level of substance use and the presence of other mental health or medical conditions. If you need to place your teen in a treatment program, look for one that uses evidence-based practices to treat substance use. Cost may also be an important factor to consider...

Before the adolescent growth spurt, the strength of boys and girls is about the same. But afterward, males most often have the advantage. During these years of rapid physical growth, adolescents may be somewhat awkward or clumsy as they get used to longer limbs and bigger bodies. Their brains need time to adjust to the...

Vital signs include heart rate, respiration (breathing rate), blood pressure, and temperature. Knowing the ranges for vital signs for your child can help you notice problems early or relieve concerns you may have about how your child is doing. 0 to 12 months old Vital signs for infants ages 0 to 12 months include the...

Most adolescents make the adjustment to middle school or junior high in a matter of weeks. But others may take longer to adjust. They may feel sick, refuse to leave the house, or have nightmares and unreasonable fears. You can help your child deal with this adjustment and anticipate other situations that may come up...

Covers helping a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder succeed in school. Discusses working with teachers and other school personnel. Also covers helping your child control symptoms.

Ages 11 through 14 are often called early adolescence. These years are an exciting time of varied and rapid changes. Your child grows taller and stronger and also starts to feel and think in more mature ways. You may feel amazed as you watch your child start to turn into an adult. But this can be a confusing time for...