When we talk about a child’s growth, we often think first about height and weight. These are two important parts of your child’s physical health. Each time you visit your doctor, your child’s growth since your last visit will be measured. You can access the growth charts your doctor uses on the following website: http://www.cdc.gov/growthcharts/.
Your child’s health is the foundation of all growth and development. Of course, your child’s health includes more than physical growth. Some other important parts of your child’s health include their cognitive (learning and thinking) development, social and emotional growth, and mental health. All aspects of health and development work together to form your child’s overall well-being.
This website has tip sheets you can use to help make sure that your child care provider is supporting your child’s health and well-being at every stage of development.
You are the most important person to support and promote your child’s health and wellness, so it is important to find quality health care services and professionals. Expect professionals to answer your questions, listen to your input, and be available. You know your child best, and are his or her primary advocate.
The following table lists some of the most important parts of children's health and wellness, along with some helpful resources that can support your child's well-being.
Topic | Resource |
---|---|
Brain development (learning and thinking)
| |
Physical health
| Physical Health Resources |
Nutrition
| Nutrition Resources Feeding Your Preschooler (PDF) |
Social, emotional, and mental health
| Healthy Active Living Resources Mental Health Tips for Families (PDF) Parenting through Tough Times: Coping with Depression (PDF) The Ability to Cope: Building Resilience in Yourself and Your Child (PDF) Self-Reflection in Parenting: Help for Getting through Stressful Times (PDF) Resources from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network |
Oral health
| Oral Health Resources A Healthy Mouth for Your Baby |
Active living
| Healthy Active Living Resources |
Safety and injury prevention
| Safety and Injury Prevention Resources |