A Parent s Guide to Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. (Building Active Strategies to Inform Children in School) is a health education program for children in elementary and middle school. The bilingual program consists of brochures for children, lesson plans for classroom use and a parent s guide to each topic. The Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. materials were created by clinicians of the National Children's Health Project Network of The Children s Health Fund. Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. materials are available in ready to use format from www.childrenshealthfund.org and may be reproduced in entirety. For additional information, contact: The Children s Health Fund 317 E. 64th Street New York, NY 10021 www.childrenshealthfund.org Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. program: Brochures and Lesson Plans Topics: Hand Washing Dental Exercise Nutrition Self Esteem Body Changes-Boys Body Changes-Girls Hygiene Anger Management Smart Choices about Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs Parent s Guide: For each topic, Facts Goals Activities to Share Books to Share Additional Resources Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. is made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation 2002 The Children's Health Fund.
Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. INTRODUCTION TO THE PARENT'S GUIDE Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. (Building Active Strategies to Inform Children in School) is a health education program for children in elementary and middle school. Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. topics are Hand Washing, Dental, Exercise, Nutrition, Self Esteem, Body Changes for Boys and Girls, Hygiene, Anger Management and Smart Choices About Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs. This Parent's Guide will help you talk about these topics with your child. The Parent's Guide gives facts, goals, helpful tips, activities and additional resources for each Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. topic. These are meant to give you general, basic information and a way to start talking with your child. Every child is different and will have different needs. Ask about his or her worries or questions. If you need more help, see the resources listed in the Parent's Guide or ask your child's health care provider. Parenting What is parenting? Parenting is caring for your child and helping him or her learn to make better decisions. Why is parenting important? Parenting helps your child to be the best person he or she can be. Why is it important for you to be a role model for your child? Your child learns from you. Think about your own choices and actions and the example you are setting for your child. Why does your child need you to set rules? Setting rules and realistic limits helps your child to understand what you expect of him or her. Some rules that can help your child learn to be more responsible are finishing homework before watching TV, or brushing teeth every night before going to sleep.
Communication What is communication? Communication is talking with and listening to your child. Why is communication important? To help your child feel loved. To help your child feel good about himself or herself. To help your child share thoughts and feelings with you and others. To help your child learn to get along with others. How can I improve communication with my child? Be patient. Good communication takes time and effort. Be direct, honest and open. Pay attention to your facial expressions and body language. Ask questions and remember to be a good listener. How can I be a good listener? To be a good listener, pay attention to what your child says and try to understand how he or she might be feeling. When should I talk with my child? Make a time each day to talk with your child. Use good timing avoid times when you or your child are tired, hungry, angry or distracted. Talk about positive things, not just problems. Where can I talk with my child? There are many places that you and your child can talk and listen to each other. You can talk in the car, on a bus, in a store or during meals. Turn off the TV or radio and focus on each other. Look for a place away from other people if you are talking about a topic that may be embarrassing for your child. What do I say? Every child and family is different. Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheets can give you suggestions of how and what to talk about with your child. There are also activity ideas and places to find more information. There is no "right" way to talk about Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. topics. The most important part is spending time with your child, which can be very rewarding for both of you. 2002 The Children's Health Fund.
FACTS: GOAL: SELF ESTEEM Self esteem is how your child feels about himself or herself. The better your child feels, the better he or she will be able to handle hard times in life. To help your child feel good about himself or herself. HELPFUL TIPS: Read the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. brochures Feel Good About Yourself Make Others Feel Good to Be With You! (elementary school) or Things to Do to Feel Good at School, Home and in Your Community (middle school) with your child. Brochure Highlights: Examples of positive ways to act toward others. Examples of positive ways to act at school, at home and in the community. Being helpful, friendly and polite helps a person feel good about himself or herself and have positive self esteem. Remember that you are a very important influence on how your child feels about himself or herself. Say positive things to your child: I love you, good job, nice try, I'm proud of you. Avoid using a loud voice, saying or doing things that make your child feel bad, like: You're bad, Why can't you do anything right?. ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Use a Reward Chart to encourage positive behavior. Offering praise and rewards will reinforce good or positive behaviors. Praise will make your child feel good about himself or herself. A child copies what he or she hears and sees, including the behaviors (positive or negative) of his or her parents. Be a positive role model and act the way you want your child to act. Think about how you talk and listen, what you say and what you do. Use ideas from the brochures to help your child think of things to do to feel good about himself or herself at home, at school and in the community. Write these down on the Self Esteem Activity Sheet. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
Find some things that you and your child can do together. Write them on the Self Esteem Activity Sheet. A Reward Chart will also show your child that you have limits and expectations for his or her behavior. A Reward Chart with instructions is found on the Self Esteem Activity sheet. BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Moser, A.J. (1991). Don't Feed the Monster on Tuesdays. Kansas City, MO: Landmark Editions. Favaro, P.J. (1995). Smart Parenting: An Easy Approach to Raising Happy Well-Adjusted Kids. Chicago, IL: Contemporary Books. FOR MORE INFORMATION: How To Be A Better Parent: A Guide to What Works and Why. To get a copy of this brochure at no charge, visit www.metlife.org Parents As Teachers, 2228 Ball Drive, St. Louis, MO 63146 (314) 432-4330, www.patnc.org/forparents.asp I Am Your Child, 1325 6th Avenue, 30th Floor, New York, NY 10019 (212) 636-5030, www.iamyourchild.org Community or faith based organizations Your child's school nurse or health care provider 2002 The Children's Health Fund.
Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. SELF ESTEEM Activity Sheet Child's Name: I will do the following to feel good. At home I will: At school I will: In the community I will: Parent's Name: At home I will: With my child I will: In the community I will: 2002 The Children's Health Fund.
Reward Chart Purpose: Use this Reward Chart to encourage positive behavior. How to use this chart: 1. With your child, pick one behavior or action that you would like to improve (picking up clothes, finishing homework before watching television). Write this improved behavior as a goal on the top of the chart. 2. With your child pick a reward he or she will earn. Write this reward on the chart. Post the chart where everyone can see it. Rewards do not have to cost money. A reward can be a trip to the park or library or one-on-one time with a parent. 3. Each time your child does this behavior or action during one or two weeks, record it with a star, happy face or sticker on the chart for everyone to see. 4. Do not give a star, happy face or sticker if your child does not show the behavior or action. The most important thing is to be consistent. 5. At the end of one or two weeks, if your child has a chart with stars, happy faces or stickers everyday, give the reward! If you are using money as a reward, make each star or sticker worth a small amount of money. The child can save stars or stickers to buy a toy. Success: As your child repeats the improved behavior or action, it will become a habit. With this Reward Chart, everyone wins! MY REWARD CHART GOAL: REWARD TO BE EARNED: Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 2002 The Children's Health Fund.
FACTS: Hand washing reduces the number of germs that can be passed to your child and others. Good hand washing means using water and soap, scrubbing and rinsing to remove germs. GOALS: Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Hand Washing To reduce the risk of illness to your child and family. To teach your child to wash his or her hands correctly at the right times. HELPFUL TIPS: Look at the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure with your child. Brochure Highlights: How to wash hands correctly: Use water, rub soap on hands from fingertips to wrists while counting to 10 slowly. Rinse and dry with clean towel or paper. When to wash hands: AFTER petting animals, playing outside or with toys, touching the telephone or computer, sneezing or blowing your nose, visiting someone sick or using the bathroom, BEFORE eating! ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: When you ask your child to wash his or her hands, wash your hands too! Post the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure where you wash your hands. Do a hand washing experiment-mix 1/4 cup cooking oil and 1/8 teaspoon of cinnamon or glitter (pretend germs) in a bowl or squeeze container. Pour on your hand and your child's hands and see how well you can wash off the pretend germs. With your child, color and post the Hand Washing coloring pages included. These pages remind you when to wash your hands--after many activities and before eating. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Berger, M. (1995). Germs Make Me Sick! New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. Rice, J.A. (1997). Those Mean Nasty Dirty Downright Disgusting but...invisible Germs. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press. (bilingual English/Spanish book) FOR MORE INFORMATION: Center for Disease Control (CDC), 1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30333 (404) 639-7000, www.cdc.gov Your child's school nurse, teacher or health care provider 2002 The Children's Health Fund
Marjorie Merena Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 1 of 10 Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 2 of 10 Marjorie Merena
Marjorie Merena Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 3 of 10 Marjorie Merena Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 4 of 10
Marjorie Merena Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 6 of 10 Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 5 of 10 Marjorie Merena
Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 7 of 10 Marjorie Merena Marjorie Merena Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 8 of 10
Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 9 of 10 Marjorie Merena Marjorie Merena Coloring page/flash card images are taken from Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure 1998, The Children's Health Fund. Coloring pages/flash cards may be reproduced for use in conjunction with Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Hand Washing brochure. 10 of 10
FACTS: GOALS: Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Healthy Teeth, Bright Smiles Brushing and flossing teeth regularly helps fight tooth decay and gum disease. To reduce tooth decay and gum disease. To promote daily care of mouth, teeth and gums. To help your child to brush and floss correctly at least twice a day. HELPFUL TIPS: Look at the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. brochure, Healthy Teeth, Bright Smiles with your child. Brochure Highlights: How to brush and floss teeth: Brush teeth, gums and tongue with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Floss between teeth to remove food bits. When to brush and floss teeth: Brush at least two times a day and after sticky foods. Floss at least once a day. ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: Brush and floss your teeth at the same time as your child. Limit snacks, especially sticky and sweet snacks. Try to visit the dentist at least once a year after age 3. Do an egg experiment: Pour 1/2 can of dark colored soda or sports drink into a small bowl. Soak a hard boiled egg in the bowl overnight. In the morning, have your child "brush" off the soda with a toothbrush. The egg shell is like a tooth. This experiment shows the importance of brushing teeth after drinking and eating. It also gives your child a chance to practice brushing. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Hallinan, P.K. (1996). My Dentist, My Friend. Nashville, TN: Ideals Children's Books. Mayer, M. (1990). Just Going to the Dentist. New York, NY: Golden Books Publishing Company. Showers, P. (1991). How Many Teeth? New York, NY: HarperCollins Publishers. FOR MORE INFORMATION: American Dental Association, 211 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 440-2500, www.ada.org Your child's school nurse or health care provider can help to find a dentist 2002 The Children's Health Fund
FACTS: GOALS: Nutrition is what your child eats and drinks. Eating healthy foods helps your child grow and learn, have energy and fight illness. To eat a variety of healthy and nutritious foods every day. HELPFUL TIPS: Look at the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. brochure, Cool Kids Eating Healthy Food with your child. Brochure Highlights: Eat 3 meals a day. Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Drink water instead of soda and juice. Nutrition Use sweets, chips and fast foods as a treat only, no more than once or twice a week. A weight loss diet is not good for growing children. If you are worried about your child's weight, talk to a doctor, nurse or nutritionist. Set a good example. Your child will eat what he or she sees you eat. Everyone should eat a variety of healthy foods from the United States Department of Agriculture Food Guide Pyramid. Focus on healthy eating and exercise habits not on weight. For tips, see the Parent Tip Sheet on Exercise. Try not to use food as a reward or to show love. For ways to show love or reward your child without using food, see the Parent Tip Sheet on Self Esteem. Buy less "junk food" such as chips, cookies and soda. Have healthy ready-to-eat snacks available like cleaned fruit or vegetables, cheese, yogurt, pretzels or low fat crackers. Limit "fast foods" to no more than once a week. Eating fast foods will make it harder for you and your family to have a balanced diet. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: In the brochure, look at the Food Guide Pyramid with your child. Circle foods that your child likes. From the foods not circled, find new foods to try. Let your child plan meals and shop with you using the food guide pyramid found in the brochure. Plan meals and cook together. Let your child plan and make his or her own breakfast or lunch using the Food Guide Pyramid. Visit a farm or fruit/vegetable stand to try some new foods. Plant a vegetable garden outside or in a window box. For tips on how to help your child eat the right amounts of food, see the Extra Tip Sheet on Nutrition. Using the blank Food Guide Chart on the Extra Tip Sheet, write down what your child eats during a whole day. Match the food your child ate with the suggested servings from each food group. If they match--good Job! If they do not match, try to find ways for your child to eat the missing servings. Ask your child's health care provider for help. BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Berenstain, S., Berenstain, J., & Lerner, S. (1985). The Berenstains Bears and Too Much Junk Food. New York: Random House. Leedy, L. (1994). The Edible Pyramid: Good Eating Every Day. New York: Holiday House. Rockwell, L. (1999). Good Enough to Eat: A Kid's Guide to Food and Nutrition. New York: HarperCollins Publishers. FOR MORE INFORMATION: U.S. Department of Agriculture, 14th & Independence Ave, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250 (202) 720-2791 www.usda.gov Your child's school nurse or health care provider 2002 The Children's Health Fund
Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Nutrition Extra Tips More tips to help your child eat healthy food in the right amounts. What does your child need to eat every day? The Food Guide Pyramid suggests the amount of each food group that a child over 6 years old should eat every day. This chart shows each food group, the number of servings suggested and examples of serving sizes. Grain Group (9 servings/day) 1 slice of bread or tortilla 1/2 roll or 1/2 doughnut 6 small crackers 1/4 of a (large) bagel 3/4 1 cup dry cereal 1/2 cup rice, pasta or cooked cereal Vegetable Group (4 servings/day) 1 cup uncooked leafy greens 1/2 cup of other vegetables Fruit Group (3 servings/day) 1 medium size fruit 1/2 cup chopped or canned fruit 3/4 cup juice FOOD GROUPS Milk Group (2 3 servings/day) 1 cup milk 1 1/2 oz cheese 1 cup yogurt Meat Group (2 servings/day) 2 3 oz meat, chicken, turkey or fish (size of a cassette tape) Or instead of 1 oz meat, use 1/2 cup cooked dry beans 1 egg 2 tablespoons peanut butter Fats & Sweets choose low-fat foods and prepare foods with less oil or margarine offer sweets less often What is a serving? A serving is an amount that is easy to measure, like a cup, a slice or a spoonful. What you eat at a meal may be more than one serving. For example, a sandwich with two slices of bread has two grain servings. Should my child eat the suggested number of servings every day? The servings are a guide to a balanced diet. Your child might eat more food on one day and less on another. Check to see if your child is getting these amounts over several days. Children who are more active may need more food than the amounts suggested here. Less active children may need less food. Introduce your child to new fruits and vegetables. This provides variety to his or her diet. Try to provide at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
On this Food Group Chart, write the food eaten by your child in one day. Does it match the suggested servings for each food group? Remember a food might fit in more than one food group. Cheese pizza is an example: the crust is grain, sauce is vegetable and cheese is in the milk group. Grain Group 9 servings FOOD GROUP CHART Vegetable Group 4 servings Fruit Group 3 servings Milk Group 2-3 servings Meat Group 2 servings Fats & Sweets If you think your child eats too much Don't make your child finish all the food on the plate. Give your child smaller amounts of food. Ask if he or she is still hungry before giving seconds. Avoid giving your child chips and sweets which are high in fat or sugar and not healthy. Avoid eating while watching TV. Limit TV or computer time to no more than 2 hours per day and encourage active play and exercise. Prepare food with less oil, butter or margarine. Remember: These suggestions are for your child, but they will help everyone in the family. Talk together as a family about how you plan to eat better. If you need help with your child's eating habits or new food preparation ideas, talk with his or her health care provider. 2002 The Children's Health Fund
FACTS: GOALS: Exercise Regular exercise helps your child grow, be strong and have energy. Exercise helps make your child feel good and helps with weight control. To help your child exercise three to four times a week for 20-30 minutes at a time. HELPFUL TIPS: Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Look at the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. brochure, Kids Need EXERCISE for Good Health with your child. Brochure Highlights: Exercise is important for growing and strength, for weight control and to feel good in mind and body. Exercise can be fun, like dancing, skating, playing ball or jumping rope. Limit TV or video game time to no more than 2 hours a day. If possible, let your child join a team sport or an after school sport. Keep your child as safe as possible. An adult should be nearby when your child is playing. It's important to wear a helmet when skating, riding a bicycle or scooter. A combination of exercise and a balanced diet promotes health for you and your child. For more tips, see the Parent Tip Sheet on Nutrition. ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: Make a list of ways to exercise outside with your child. Dance, walk, play ball, jump rope, play tag at the park or play hopscotch. Find ways to exercise inside together. Try dancing to music or jumping rope in a clear area. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Berenstain, S. & Berenstain, J. (1984). The Berenstain Bears and Too Much TV. New York: Random House. Petricic, D & Gryski, C. (1995). Let's Play: Traditional Games of Childhood. Buffalo, NY: Kids Can Press Ltd. FOR MORE INFORMATION: American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75231-4596 (800) 242-8721, www.americanheart.org The President's Council on Fitness and Sports, PCPFS, Department W, 200 Independence Ave., SW, Room 738-H, Washington, D.C. 20201-0004 (202) 690-9000, www.fitness.gov Books or games from the local library Local Boys and Girls Club, YMCA or community based activity programs Your child s gym teacher, school nurse or health care provider 2002 The Children's Health Fund
FACTS: GOALS: Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Body Changes & Hygiene Boys Puberty is the process of growing from a child to an adult. Hormones control these body changes. Sometime between the age of 9 and 16, your child's body will start to change. Your child may be worried or embarrassed with these changes because there are new sights and smells. Good hygiene means paying attention to body changes, smells and sweat. Good hygiene helps get rid of germs that may smell and helps your child feel good about himself. To help your child feel comfortable asking and talking about body changes. To help your child practice good hygiene habits regularly. HELPFUL TIPS: Look at the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. brochures, Body Changes - Boys and Hygiene with your child. Brochure Highlights: Examples of body changes that can be seen. Changes in emotions or feelings. Why hygiene is important. Examples of good hygiene practices. Let your child know that body changes are normal. He may feel embarrassed about these changes. He may have mood changes like feeling happy or worried or sad. It is important to talk with him about how he is feeling. NOTE: If you are worried or have questions about your child's moods or your child seems very sad or depressed, talk to a doctor or nurse as soon as possible. If possible, talk to your child before these body changes happen to prepare him for what to expect. Try to talk to your child alone in a private place. Let him know that you are willing to talk to him if he has questions. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: Be a role model. Practice the behavior you want your child to practice. Help your child make a hygiene kit for home and for school. A kit could include soap, shampoo, deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste and floss. Take this boys' body changes and hygiene quiz with your child. With your child, cover the answers and see how well you do. Additional information about these questions is provided on the Body Changes Answer Sheet. Body Changes and Hygiene Quiz - Boys 1. Mouthwash is better to use than brushing your teeth. False 2. Deodorant stops people from sweating. False 3. Squeezing pimples helps them go away. False 4. Flossing teeth is only for people who can't brush their teeth. False 5. Feeling sad, confused and angry can be due to normal changes. True 6. Puberty in boys starts at age 13 and is over by 14. False 7. Muscle aches often happen from growing and stretching. True 8. A "cracking" voice is a normal sign of puberty in a boy. True 9. It is only necessary to bathe when one feels dirty. False 10. Staying clean helps one to stay healthy. True BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Madaras, L. & Madaras, A. (2000). My Body, Myself for Boys. New York, NY: Newmarket Press. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Local library Teacher, health educator or counselor Your child's school nurse or health care provider 2002 The Children's Health Fund
FACTS: Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Body Changes & Hygiene Girls Puberty is the process of growing from a child to an adult. Hormones control these body changes. Sometime between the ages of 9 and 16, your child's body will start to change. Your child may be worried or embarrassed with these changes because there are new sights and smells. Good hygiene means paying attention to body changes, smells and sweat. Good hygiene helps get rid of germs that may smell and helps your child feel good about herself. GOALS: To help your child feel comfortable asking and talking about body changes. To help your child practice good hygiene habits regularly. HELPFUL TIPS: Look at the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. brochures, Body Changes - Girls and Hygiene with your child. Brochure Highlights: Examples of body changes that can be seen. Changes in emotions or feelings. Why hygiene is important. Examples of good hygiene practices. Let your child know that body changes are normal. She may feel embarrassed about these changes. She may have mood changes like feeling happy or worried or sad. It is important to talk with her about how she is feeling. NOTE: If you are worried or have questions about your child's moods or your child seems very sad or depressed, talk to a doctor or nurse as soon as possible. If possible, talk to your child before these body changes happen to prepare her for what to expect. Try to talk to your child alone in a private place. Let her know that you are willing to talk to her if she has questions. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: Be a role model. Practice the behavior you want your child to practice. Help your child make a hygiene kit for home and for school. A kit could include soap, shampoo, deodorant, tooth brush, tooth paste and floss. Take this girls' body changes and hygiene quiz with your child. With your child, cover the answers and see how well you do. Additional information about these questions is provided in the Body Changes Answer Sheet. Body Changes and Hygiene Quiz - Girls Mouthwash is better to use than brushing your teeth. False Deodorant stops people from sweating. False Squeezing pimples helps them go away. False Flossing teeth is only for people who can't brush their teeth. False Feeling sad, confused and angry can be due to normal changes. True Puberty in girls starts at age 13 and is over by 14. False One breast may grow bigger and more quickly than the other breast. True Every girl should get her period. True It is only necessary to bathe when one feels dirty. False Staying clean helps one to stay healthy. True BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Madaras, L. & Madaras, A. (2000). My Body, Myself for Girls. New York, NY: Newmarket Press. Madaras, A. & Madaras, L. (2000). What's Happening to My Body? Book for Girls. The New Growing Up Guide for Parents and Daughters. New York, NY: Newmarket Press. FOR MORE INFORMATION: Local library Teacher, health educator or counselor Your child's school nurse or health care provider 2002 The Children's Health Fund
Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Body Changes Answer Sheet 1. Mouthwash is better to use than brushing your teeth. False Mouthwash is used only to clean the breath. The best way to clean your teeth and mouth is to brush and floss at least twice a day. 2. Deodorant stops people from sweating. False Deodorant helps control odor only. Anti-perspirant helps stop sweating. 3. Squeezing pimples helps them go away. False Pimples, or acne, come from an increase in oil in the skin and hormone changes during puberty. Washing the face controls oils and helps the skin heal. Squeezing or "popping" pimples can cause scars, especially for dark skinned people. 4. Flossing teeth is only for people who can't brush their teeth. False The use of dental floss twice a day is recommended for everyone. Flossing helps remove food bits from between teeth and keeps gums strong. 5. Feeling sad, confused and angry can be due to normal changes. True Mood swings are normal, especially for teens going through puberty. Feeling confused and having questions is common. Talking with a parent or trusting adult can help answer questions. 6. Puberty in girls and boys starts at age 13 and is over by 14. False Typically, girls and boys go through puberty and body changes between ages 9-14. 7. (GIRLS) One breast may grow quicker and bigger than the other breast. True Sometimes one breast may develop faster than the other, but by adulthood breasts are usually equal in size. (BOYS) Muscle aches usually happen from growing and stretching. True "Growing pains" can happen in muscles all over the body during puberty. Talk with a health care provider to make sure the pains are from growing. 8. (GIRLS) Every girl should get her period (menstrual cycle). True Every girl will get her monthly period some time during puberty. Any girl who reaches 14 15 years old and has never started her monthly period should have a check-up with a health care provider. (BOYS) A "cracking" voice is a normal sign of puberty in a boy. True A boy's voice will sometimes "crack" as his body changes during puberty. This will disappear as his voice becomes deeper. 9. It is only necessary to bathe when one feels dirty. False Good hygiene means using soap and water to clean away dirt, dead skin cells, germs and body odor. Bathing once a day is recommended. 10. Staying clean helps to stay healthy. True Some germs make people sick. Washing hands after playing, going to the bathroom and before eating is the best way to stop germs from spreading. REFERENCE: Neinstein, L. (1996). Adolescent Health Care: A Practical Guide (3rd edition). Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins.
FACTS: Anger is a normal feeling. There are many reactions to anger What to do when I m Angry GOAL: To help your child find healthy ways to deal with anger. HELPFUL TIPS: Look at the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. brochure, What to Do When I'm Angry with your child. Brochure Highlights: Anger is a normal emotion. Is your anger out of control? Ways to deal with anger. How to let go of anger. Be a positive role model. How do you react to and deal with anger? How do you react to your child when you are angry? Think about how and when you communicate with your child. Children who are exposed to violence are more likely to demonstrate violent behavior. Know what your child is watching on TV. Children who are exposed to domestic violence may show uncontrolled anger. Remember if there are guns in the household, they should be unloaded and locked up. Bullets should be stored separately. ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Talk with your child and list realistic ways to deal with anger. When I am angry I can: talk to (parent, brother, sister, teacher etc) go for a walk spend time by myself listen to music or Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Wilde, J. (1997). Hot Stuff to Help Kids Chill Out. The Anger Management Book. Richmond, In.: LGR Publishing. FOR MORE INFORMATION: school resources, counselors, teachers your child's school nurse or health care provider community or faith based organization 2002 The Children's Health Fund
FACTS: GOALS: Some facts from Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention The average age for teens to start using tobacco is 12 years old. The average age to start drinking is 13. The average age to start marijuana use is 14. Young people who use substances at an early age are more likely to have serious problems. Children who feel closer to their families are less likely to engage in risky behaviors. A parent is a child's most important teacher about tobacco, alcohol and drugs. To help your child make good decisions about tobacco, alcohol and drugs. HELPFUL TIPS: Look at the Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. brochure, Make Smart Choices: Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol and Drugs with your child. Brochure Highlights: Healthy B.A.S.I.C.S. Parent Tip Sheet Make Smart Choices: Avoid Tobacco, Alcohol & Drugs Reasons why kids try tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Problems related to use of tobacco, alcohol and drugs within a year and over many years of use. Positive choices as alternatives to using tobacco, alcohol or drugs. When talking with your child, avoid lecturing. Tell your child that you want him or her to be healthy and to make healthy choices. Use facts and talk about how using tobacco, alcohol or drugs affects things that are important to your child. Ask your child if he or she knows kids who use drugs or drink alcohol. Ask your child what he or she would do if drugs, alcohol or tobacco were offered. Practice with your child what he or she might say in different situations. Set clear rules about not using tobacco, alcohol or drugs and consistently enforce them. Look for opportunities to talk about tobacco, alcohol or drugs. Talk with your child when you see TV commercials, movies, music, books, newspapers or magazines about substance use. Learn about your child's friends. Discuss with their parents how they talk to their children about tobacco, drugs and alcohol. Do you agree? Be a positive role model. Act the way you want your child to act. Made possible by a grant from MetLife Foundation
How do you know if your child is using alcohol or drugs? Some signs of alcohol or drug use are: change in mood or behavior sleeping more weight gain or loss school problems, absences declining grades finding drugs or drug paraphernalia withdrawn from family isolation legal problems money missing secrecy about new friends change in hygiene or poor hygiene If you think that you, someone in your house or your child may have a problem with tobacco, drugs or alcohol, contact your health care provider. ACTIVITIES TO SHARE: Be involved with your child. Share a common interest or activity. This tells your child you care for him or her. BOOKS TO SHARE (from the library): Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent's Guide to Prevention. (1997). Washington, D.C.: U.S. Department of Education. (To order a free copy, call 1-877-433-7827. The full text of this document is available at the U.S. Department of Education's Safe and Drug-Free Schools Program at www.ed.gov/offices/oese/sdfs.) FOR MORE INFORMATION: American Council for Drug Education 204 Monroe Street, Suite 110 Rockville, MD 20850 (800) 488-DRUG www.acde.org Partnership for A Drug-Free America 405 Lexington Ave, Suite 1601 New York, NY 10174 (212) 922-1560 www.drugfreeamerica.org School resources, counselors, teachers Your child's school nurse or health care provider Community or faith based organizations 2002 The Children's Health Fund