8-10 year old Child's Well Visit: Care Instructions

Your Care Instructions

Your child is busy at school and has many friends. He or she will have many things to share with you every day as they learn new things in school. It is important that your child gets enough sleep and eats healthy food during this time.

By age 8, most children can add and subtract simple objects or numbers. They tend to have a black-and-white perspective—things are either great or awful, ugly or pretty, right or wrong. They are learning to develop social skills and to read better.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and keep all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

Eating and a healthy weight

• Encourage healthy eating habits. Most children do well with three meals and two or three snacks a day. Offer fruits and vegetables at meals and snacks.
• Give nonfat and low-fat dairy foods and whole grains, such as rice, pasta, or whole wheat bread, at every meal.
• Give your child foods he or she likes, but also offer new foods to try. If your child is not hungry at one meal, it is okay to wait until the next meal or snack.
• Check with your child's school or daycare to make sure they provide healthy meals and snacks.
• Avoid fast food. Choose healthy snacks low in sugar, fat, and salt instead of candy, chips, and other junk foods.
• Offer water when your child is thirsty. Limit juice drinks to no more than once a day.
• Make mealtime family time. Have pleasant conversations and turn off the TV.
• Do not use food as a reward or punishment. Do not make your child "clean their plate."
• Let your child know you love them no matter their size. Help them feel good about themselves and remind them that people come in different shapes and sizes. Avoid teasing or nagging about weight and avoid labeling your child as skinny, fat, or chubby.
• Limit TV time to 2 hours or less per day. Do not put a TV in your child's bedroom or use TV and videos as babysitters.

Healthy habits

• Encourage your child to be physically active for at least one hour every day. Plan family activities like trips to the park, walks, bike rides, swimming, and gardening.
• Help your child brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Take your child to the dentist twice a year.
• Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before going outside. Use a broad-brimmed hat to shade ears, nose, and lips.
• Do not smoke or allow others to smoke near your child. Smoking increases their risk for ear infections, asthma, colds, and pneumonia. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medications.
• Put your child to bed at a regular time to ensure enough sleep.

Safety

• Secure your child in a properly installed car seat for every ride, meeting all current safety standards. For questions about car seats and booster seats, call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236.
• Before starting new activities, get the right safety gear and teach your child how to use it. Make sure your child wears a properly fitting helmet when riding a bike or scooter.
• Keep cleaning products and medicines in locked cabinets out of reach. Keep the Poison Control number (1-800-222-1222) near your phone.
• Always watch your child near water, including pools, hot tubs, and bathtubs. Swimming skills do not make your child safe from drowning.
• Do not let your child play in or near the street. Children should not cross streets alone until about age 8.
• Always know where your child is and who is watching them.

Parenting

• Read with your child every day.
• Play games, talk, and sing daily. Give your child love and attention.
• Give your child chores to do; most children enjoy helping.
• Make sure your child knows your home address, phone number, and how to call 911.
• Teach your child not to let anyone touch their private parts.
• Teach your child not to take anything from strangers or go with strangers.
• Praise good behavior. Do not yell or spank. Use time-outs instead. Be fair and consistent with rules.
• Teach your child to use words when upset.
• Do not let your child watch violent TV or videos. Help your child understand that violence in real life hurts people.

School

• Help your child unwind after school with quiet time. Set aside time to talk about their day.
• Avoid too many after-school plans like sports, music, or clubs.
• Help your child organize their work by providing a desk or table.
• Encourage organizing clothing, lunch, and homework at night rather than in the morning.
• Place a wall calendar near the desk or table to help remember important dates.
• Help your child develop a regular homework routine. Set a time each afternoon or evening for homework. Be nearby to answer questions. Make learning fun and important. Ask questions, share ideas, and work on problems together. Show interest in schoolwork.
• Keep lots of books and games at home. Let your child see you reading, learning, and playing.
• Be involved in your child's school, perhaps as a volunteer.

Your child and bullying

• If your child is afraid of someone, listen to their concerns. Praise them for facing fears. Teach them to stay calm, talk things out, or walk away. Teach phrases like, "I will talk to you, but I will not fight," or "Stop doing that, or I will report you to the principal."
• If your child is a bully, express that the behavior is upsetting and hurts others. Ask why they are acting that way. Take away privileges such as TV or playtime. Teach your child to talk out differences instead of fighting.

Immunizations

• Flu shots are recommended yearly for all children 6 months and older.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor if:

• You are concerned your child is not growing or learning normally.
• You are worried about your child's behavior.
• You have questions or need more information about your child's care.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.nurturepediatric.com/, log into the web portal.

Care instructions adapted under license by Nurture Pediatrics. This information is for use with your licensed healthcare professional. If you have questions about a medical condition or these instructions, always ask your healthcare professional.