Child's Well Visit, 5 Years: Care Instructions

Your child may like to play with friends and have an interest in connections between people. They may be a great little storyteller.

Your child may know the names of things around the house and what they're used for. Your child can learn their own home address and your phone number.

They may be able to copy shapes like triangles and squares. And they might like to count on their fingers.

Forming healthy eating habits

  • Offer healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.
  • Let your child choose how much they eat. If they aren't hungry, it's okay for them to wait until the next meal or snack.
  • Offer water when your child is thirsty. Avoid juice and soda pop.
  • Remove screens when eating. Make meals a time for family to connect.

Being active as a family

  • Let your child play and be active for at least 1 hour every day.
  • Visit the park. Go for walks and bike rides together, if you can.

Practicing healthy habits

  • Help your child brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Take them to the dentist twice a year.
  • Limit screen time to 2 hours or less a day.
  • Don't smoke or let others smoke around your child.
  • Put your child to bed at about the same time every night.

Keeping your child safe

  • Always use a car seat or booster seat. Install it in the back seat.
  • Make sure your child wears a helmet if they ride a bike or scooter.
  • Teach your child not to talk to strangers.
  • Keep guns away from children. If you have guns, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.

Parenting your child

  • Read and play games with your child often.
  • Let your child help with simple chores, like making their bed.
  • Praise good behavior. Don't yell or spank. Your child learns from watching and listening to you.
  • Don't use food as a reward or punishment.

Getting vaccines

  • Make sure your child gets all the recommended vaccines.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to 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.

Where can you learn more?

Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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