Thirteen-year-old teens are finishing up one phase of life - leaving childhood behind - and entering another one - becoming a teen. This is the basis for their daily behaviors and issues. When parents keep this in mind, it becomes easier to deal with the changes in their "normal behavior."
Teen Wellness Issue: Diet and Nutrition
Your 13-year-old is going to want to decide for herself whether she wants to eat something or not. As with many things related to teenagers, food is about a teen's choices, not their diets and wellness. They want to have a say. This is often the reason behind a picky eater. Once you begin to give your 13-year-old child the leeway to make those decisions, you may see them starting to try things they have never eaten before. A key aspect to getting teens to eat better is in the choices you offer them - not in choosing for them. Keep your kitchen stocked with healthy snacks like fruit, raw vegetables, popcorn, or cheese and whole grain crackers.. Pay attention to what healthy snacks they enjoy and keep them stocked.Teen Wellness Issue: Sleep
Most 13-year-old teens are not so much concerned about sleeping as they are about having a "bedtime" rule. They feel that having a certain time in which they are told to go to bed is childish, and they are no longer a child. They are a teenager, almost in high school, and no one in high school has a bedtime, according to the world of a 13-year-old teen.This is understandable and probably one of the first ways you will see your child stretch his independence muscles. Talk to them about the entire family's routine and then compromise on a bedtime that fits into that schedule.
Teen Wellness Issue: Exercise and Fitness
It is very important for the 13-year-old to get into an exercise and fitness habit. Studies have shown that the more teenagers exercise, the more likely they will carry that good habit into adulthood. This is true of every teen - not just athletic kids.Parents often feel that if their kids are in sports at school, they are getting the exercise they need. Finding a sport your child likes and is good for them - physically and for their self-esteem - is important. But organized sports last only one season and don't really help your teen maintain a healthy fitness habit. The federal government and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that adolescents get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise most days - preferably daily.
Thirteen-year-old teens are a bit clumsy because of their growing bodies. This may lead to one or two accidents when they are playing games or doing fitness exercises. You just might want to carry your medical insurance card and their Social Security number when you go to their games, just in case.
No comments:
Post a Comment