Teen Care Instructions

Managing Your Time and Activities

You may be busy with school, sports, clubs, and friends. Managing your time well helps with homework, sleep, and eating healthy.

• When you get home, take a short 15-minute break, then start homework right away.
• Avoid screen distractions while doing homework by turning your phone off.

Growing Independence and Confidence

• Most teens focus on themselves as they gain independence.
• You may feel insecure or worry about what friends think — remember they are often focused on themselves too.
• Be the person you want to be and build your skills.
• Ask parents or trusted adults for help when you find something challenging.

Eating and Healthy Weight

• Eat nutritious meals and healthy snacks daily. Stock up on fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy.
• Limit fast food to once a week and avoid McDonald's completely.
• Choose snacks low in sugar, fat, and salt instead of candy or chips.
• Drink water regularly and carry a water bottle. Avoid soda and juice.
• Try to eat at least one meal a day with your family.

Healthy Habits

• Be active at least 1 hour daily — plan walks, bike rides, swimming, or gardening.
• Limit TV or video to 1–2 hours daily. Avoid violent or sexual content.
• If you find pornographic websites, do not click further and tell your parents to help set filters.
• If you receive obscene or threatening texts/photos, do NOT respond; show your parents immediately.
• Do not smoke or vape. These harm your lungs and brain. If you already smoke or vape, ask your doctor for help quitting.

Safety

• Always wear your seatbelt and make sure others do too.
• Don’t text and drive; use hands-free if taking calls.
• Wear a helmet and pads when biking, skating, or scootering.
• If there’s a gun in your home, it should be unloaded and locked separately from ammunition. Learn gun safety.
• Avoid drinking alcohol. It can impair judgment and cause dangerous situations. Call for a safe ride if needed.

Parenting and Communication

• Your parents want the best for you. Spend time with them and talk about school, activities, and friends.

Sexual Health

• Think carefully about sex, condom use, and birth control before becoming sexually active.
• At least 30% of teens and 85% of adults have one or more sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• The safest way to avoid STIs and pregnancy is to not have sex. Using condoms properly is the next best option.
• Oral sex can also spread infections.
• If you are sexually active, talk to your doctor about STI testing — many STIs have no symptoms.
• Chlamydia is common and can cause infertility if untreated. Annual urine testing is recommended.
• In Texas, teens 15 and older can get confidential STI testing without parents.

School

• If you are being bullied, talk to a trusted adult (counselor, doctor, parent). They can help.
• If your grades drop, ask for help before failing. Tutors and support are available.

Immunizations

• Get a flu shot yearly.
• Talk to your doctor about HPV, meningococcal, and Tdap vaccines.

When to Call for Help

Contact our office at 713-894-2751

• Are worried about your growth or learning.
• Feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of hurting yourself or others.
• Feel trapped or unsafe in a relationship.

Suicide Risk If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Crisis Text Line: Text TALK to 741741