What Are Night Terrors? Most parents have comforted their child after the occasional nightmare. But if your child has ever had what’s known as a night terror (or sleep terror), his or her fear was likely inconsolable, no matter what you tried. A night terror is a sleep disruption that seems similar to a nightmare, but …
Why Are Naps Important? Sleep is important for a child’s growth, development, and overall health. For infants and young children, total sleep time includes sleep at night and naps during the day. How much sleep kids need varies by age. While every child is different, experts recommend: Infants (0–3 months): 14–17 hours. Infants tend to sleep on and …
Sleep — or lack of it — is common concern for parents. As new parents quickly learn, the well-being of everyone in the household can depend on how well their baby sleeps. And when they’re older, kids who don’t get enough sleep can have trouble paying attention, mood swings, behavior problems, and leaning problems. What …
What Is Flat Head Syndrome? Flat head syndrome usually happens when a baby sleeps with the head turned to the same side during first months of life. This causes a flat spot, either on one side or the back of the head. Flat head syndrome is also called positional plagiocephaly (pu-ZI-shu-nul play-jee-oh-SEF-uh-lee). What Causes Flat …
My daughter is 13, and I’m not sure when she should start seeing a gynecologist. What is the right age to take this step? – Erin The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that girls first see a gynecologist when they’re between the ages of 13 and 15. Most girls will not need a …
When Should My Daughter First Go to the Gynecologist? Read More »
What Is the Birth Control Shot? The birth control shot is an injection given to a girl every 3 months to help prevent pregnancy. The birth control shot contains a long acting form of the hormone progestin. How Does the Birth Control Shot Work? The hormone progestin in the birth control shot works by preventing …
Talking to Your Kids About STDs It is important for parents to talk to their kids and teens about STDs (sexually transmitted diseases). Your kids need to understand how STDs spread and how to protect themselves. What Are STDs? STDs (also called sexually transmitted infections, or STIs) are infections that spread through sex (vaginal, oral, or anal). …
I’ve heard about the HPV vaccine for teenage girls. But I’m not sure my 14-year-old daughter needs it because she’s not sexually active. What should I do? – Lora The HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine is now recommended for girls and boys both. It will help to protect them from HPV-related cancers and genital warts. The vaccine has the best chance …
Should Girls Who Aren’t Sexually Active Be Vaccinated Against HPV? Read More »
Adolescence is the dawn of sexual attraction. It happens due to the hormonal changes of puberty. These changes involve both the body and the mind — so just thinking about someone attractive can cause physical arousal. These new feelings can be intense, confusing, sometimes even overwhelming. Teens are beginning to discover what it means to be …
Parents often associate sexual development with the teen years. But kids develop an emotional and physical foundation for sexuality in many subtle ways from infancy. Physical and emotional changes become more dramatic and complex as puberty starts and during the teen years. And your kids are likely to have many questions. By knowing the facts, …
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