Your child is growing up and becoming more independent and responsible! However, parents still need to help their older children get medical care and make healthy choices.

Some preteens and teenagers act in risky ways. For example, we know eight out of ten adult smokers started before they were 18. Peer pressure is not the big problem we once thought. The bigger problem is misunderstanding and misinformation. Teenagers underestimate how addictive smoking really is. With smoking or other unhealthy choices, the risks they take are almost invisible to teens.

An important part of helping your older child make healthy choices is talking to them. Talking to your child about relationships, the Internet, alcohol, tobacco, driving, drugs, and other difficult subjects will help your child become informed and make better choices.

To learn more about communicating with your child, visit the Talk With Your Child website.

To keep a record of doctor visits, print this Well-Child Schedule.

More Information and Resources
Click below for a drop-down list of information about Preteens and Teens.

Medical Care...

Immunization Information...

Nutrition...

Prevention & Safety...

Growing Up...

Behavior...

Parenting...