By: Shanna McGinnis, MD
The confetti has settled and a new year is upon us. For many adults, a new year means new resolutions – a time to start good habits and quit bad ones. This year, include the kids and help them create a list of resolutions of their own. Make sure to keep their commitments age-appropriate and practical. In this article, there are some suggestions for a few resolutions you and your kids can accomplish together.
Resolution 1 – Brush your teeth twice daily. This routine should start as soon as your child gets their first tooth. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), 10% of two-year olds and nearly 30% of three-year olds have one or more cavities. In order to prevent dental problems, your child should see a dentist no later than their first birthday. It is recommended that kids use fluoride toothpaste, but only a tiny smear until age 3 when they are able to rinse and spit. They should visit the dentist twice per year for check-ups. Caring for primary teeth is of utmost importance even though they will eventually be replaced by permanent teeth because decay in primary teeth can affect permanent teeth.
Resolution 2 – Drink primarily water and low-fat or skim milk. This resolution has several benefits. The most obvious is that eliminating soda, fruit juices, and sugary drinks will help cut “empty” calories and caffeine from the diet. Additionally, it will cut several dollars off your grocery and restaurant bills. Some parents are confused when I recommend limiting juices, even those containing 100% juice. In moderation, juice is okay for children over 1 year; however; juice does not have nutritional benefits over whole fruits. Instead of a glass of apple juice or orange juice, it is more beneficial to eat a whole apple or orange. They contain more fiber and make tummies feel fuller than a beverage. From a practical standpoint, when kids spill their drinks at the table, there are no stains and no sticky messes with water.
Resolution 3 – Wear a helmet while biking or skateboarding. Many children and their parents fail to appreciate the severity of injury, or even death, that can result from an accident on a bicycle or skateboard. Many of these injuries and deaths are preventable. To confirm that your child is wearing a safe helmet, look for the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) label. These helmets meet a certain safety standard to ensure your child’s protection. Although purchasing a used bike is okay, do not purchase a second-hand helmet. Like car seats, if the helmet has been in a previous collision, the safety of the helmet may be compromised. Many children own a helmet, but fail to wear it consistently. Parents, be firm and enforce a 100% compliance rate with helmet use.
Resolution 4 – Limit media to no more than 2 hours per day. Media includes television, computers (not including computer use for homework), tablets, video games, and yes, smartphones. Attempting to limit media to just 2 hours per day may cause an uproar in some homes. Nothing can induce a temper tantrum in the McGinnis house like mommy turning off the TV. Try to put a positive spin on limiting media time by filling those extra hours with other fun activities like sports, hobbies, and volunteering. In addition, parents can use media as a reward for completing chores. Create a system where your children have to earn their media time, i.e. 30 minutes in exchange for washing the dishes or doing a load of laundry. Also, try to make the most of the time they have by recording shows so you can fast forward through commercials. On weekends and holidays, treat them to a little extra media time when they do a good job.
Resolution 5 – Do not text while driving. It has always been difficult for parents to allow teenagers the responsibility and privilege of driving a vehicle. These days, it is even more difficult knowing that young drivers face the temptation to text while driving. One of the most important things parents can do for their children is model good behaviors and abstain from this practice themselves. An additional tool is the Parent-Teen Driving Agreement found at healtychildren.org. It is a contract that outlines the expectations parents have for their teens and the penalties associated with a violation of the contract. Finally, most smartphones have apps that will automatically respond to phone calls and text messages with a “can’t respond, I’m driving” message. This may help alleviate the temptation to reply.
This list includes just a few ideas of resolutions your family can make and keep together. Take some time to discuss other healthy pledges your children can start this year. Help to keep them accountable and reward them for their successes.