It’s normal to fumble a little when talking about puberty. You don’t have to get every chat perfectly scripted or started. What matters is that you give your child plenty of opportunities to learn and ask questions. Being honest and direct and respecting what feels sensitive or embarrassing to them is key. Any caregiver can have these conversations. Your child’s openness may surprise you!

Bra shopping

Periods don’t have a clear start time. They can start as early as age 8 and as late as 16. We know that periods are going to happen, and talking about them early and often increases comfort and decreases shame. Being aware of the physical changes that happen before periods start can help. Periods usually start about 2 years after the first signs of breast development. You can’t circle an exact date on your calendar, but if you haven’t started talking about periods when breast development starts, it’s definitely a great window to get chatting!

Avoid surprises

Periods can be scary when kids aren’t prepared. And because a period can start anytime and anywhere, the first one can leave your child feeling very overwhelmed in a public place. As soon as you are aware of breast development, you can start small with some of these intros:

• I was wondering what you’d heard about periods from your friends or books.
• Is there anything you’re worried about later in puberty?
• Does anyone at school get their period yet? I thought we could talk about what that’s like. 
• I bought you some period supplies. Is now an okay time to talk about how they work?
• If someone were upset about their period, how could you help?

If you’re having these conversations with a child who won’t get a period, way to go! Half of the population gets a period, so there shouldn’t be any shame or embarrassment about it. But if people don’t understand how cycles work, they might be more likely to tease others or ignore what’s happening.

Learning about periods and cycles

Depending on when your child gets their period, they may be ready to start cycle tracking independently or need some support. You can also teach them in advance how things work by showing how you or a partner/friend track their cycle. Periods can be very irregular for the first two years, but it never hurts to try to be prepared for the next one. 

Let your child know that they won’t come like clockwork, and that things like stress, travel, and illness can throw off anyone’s cycle. This can help manage their expectations. It’s a great idea to teach them about the other phases of their cycle too as they might start to notice physical and emotional symptoms.

The Ovia app is a great place to start, set to cycle tracking mode (as opposed to trying to conceive mode). Again, helping them to be prepared for what to expect — how many days of bleeding they might have and how their body and mind will feel — can make all the difference for their confidence.

How to prepare for periods

Ideally you can keep a stock of period supplies at home, and a few key items in a school or activities bag. Once your child knows their preferences, you can bulk order what they like. 

• Pads in various absorbencies. These will be the easiest to start with in many cases. Most brands now make slimmer versions that fit a tween’s body better and are less noticeable under clothes and in their school bag. 
• Tampons in various absorbencies. Although they may take some time to get the hang of, active tweens may need to use a tampon to participate in certain activities, or some just may feel more comfortable without a pad on.
• Period underwear. A few pairs of period underwear can be a game changer for comfort. It means less risk of a leak through at school, and can be great on the days leading up to an expected period. Modibody and Tomboy have been shown to be PFAS-free. 
• Regular full coverage underwear in darker colors. Staining is inevitable, and pads are easier to adhere to full coverage, brief style underwear. (It’s also a great idea to have an extra pair in a school bag just in case.)
• Pain relief, like Ibuprofen and heating pads for cramps or headaches.

Menstrual cups are also an excellent period option, but often better to try once they’ve got the initial hang of things! If they’re interested from the start in using a cup, it’s safe to try and many come in slightly smaller sizes for tweens.

Preparing your child (and yourself) for the start of their period can mean the difference between a scary transition and one that happens with ease. The more you bring it up and normalize the conversation, the more your whole family will feel increased comfort when the time comes.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Kids’ holiday food: Consider the big picture

The holidays are a special time to make memories and strengthen relationships while having lots of fun. Food is a common centerpiece for many traditions and celebrations. It’s part of your family culture — and the smells and tastes can bring back memories from years past. These are important anchors your child will develop over years to come. 

Helping your child listen to their body signals during these gatherings will set them up for a lifetime of success in not only choosing the foods they eat and how much, but also paying attention to how they feel and what comes up for them at the holiday table. Also, part of helping your child be happy at the dinner table will give you the time and space to enjoy a meal with the other adults there!

Prepping for the gathering 

If you know your child has a hard time sitting down to eat when their cousins are around, it may help to go into the gathering feeling rested. Depending on your kiddo’s age, allowing them to get some good zzzs in before heading into a more chaotic environment can help. 

Another common concern is that they won’t like Aunt Judy’s green beans. It can be really helpful to present familiar foods alongside the new ones. Allow your little one to explore and try new things while having the security of foods they know they enjoy on their plate as well. If they’re able to help you or other family members prepare food in the kitchen, this can be a lasting positive memory and even encourage them to try something new!

Try to let go of your own baggage around food

If you’ve ever struggled with your relationship with food or your body, do your best to take care of yourself during this time too. And if you need a little extra support, reach out to your provider to see if there’s someone they might be able to recommend you speaking with. 

We tend to place our own unhealthy thoughts about food on our kids. By challenging our beliefs about food, we can protect our kids from our own negative connotations.

In general, kids tend to be good at self-regulating — eating when they’re hungry and stopping when they’re full. By letting your kids have control over what they eat and how much, they learn to build their instincts and form good habits.

Manage outside comments

The holidays bring out the best in lots of us. For some, though, it can bring out a lot of food anxiety, which can show up as invasive, judgmental comments about what you and/or your children are eating. Not only are these offensive and unhelpful, but research has shown that negative talk about bodies/dieting actually increases the risk of children gaining excess weight in unhealthy ways and developing eating disorders. 

Responding directly to comments from family members is an important way to teach your children how to set healthy boundaries as well as how to shut down negative body/food talk. It’s okay to say for example, “We don’t police food and we are teaching our kids to listen to their bodies,” or “We don’t comment on what other people eat at our house, please refrain from doing so anymore today.” If you anticipate unhelpful commentary from a certain family member — on how your child looks or what they choose to eat — addressing these challenges before you arrive can help. A quick text can encourage supportive actions from family, and set the tone for what you expect. 

Focus on joy

As parents, we want the holidays to be a warm and special time to spend together and remember for a lifetime. Family gathering and meals create traditions, recipes, games, and laughter that our children will never forget — and may even pass on to the next generation. The contagious joy of celebrating and eating can be a positive outcome of this season to carry forward for the whole family.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• Jill Castle. “How to Help Your Child Eat Well and Be a Good Guest at Holiday Meals.” U.S. News & World Report. November 25, 2019. https://health.usnews.com/wellness/for-parents/articles/holiday-meals-and-kids-helping-them-to-eat-well-and-be-a-good-guest. 
• Kaitlyn Kamleiter. “Avoiding picky eating during holiday meals.” Children’s Minnesota. November 25, 2019.
• https://www.childrensmn.org/2019/11/25/avoiding-picky-eating-holiday-meals/. 
• Sally Kuzemchak, M.S., R.D. “Don’t Micromanage What Your Kids Eat At Holiday Parties.” Real Mom Nutrition. December 5, 2019.
• https://www.realmomnutrition.com/holiday-parties/. 
• Sandra G. Hassink, MD, FAAP. “Avoiding Food Traps.” HealthyChildren. American Academy of Pediatrics. August 20, 2020. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Avoiding-Food-Traps.aspx. 

So, how many hours of sleep does your child need, and what can you do to help them achieve it? Read on for tips and insight.

How many hours of sleep does your child need?

It varies by age. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), kids at age 3 need roughly 10 hours per night and an hour-long nap.

From ages 4 through 6, kids still typically need about 10 hours of sleep a night, though most are done taking naps. Then up until the teen years, children need at least nine hours of nightly sleep.

Sleep habits and tips for kids

What can you do to help your child sleep better or longer? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but we outlined a few things that might work.

Winding down, powering off

Screen time before bed is stimulating. And according to Stanford Children’s Health, it can block the production of crucial sleepytime hormones, including melatonin and serotonin. Aim to power off devices at least an hour before bedtime and wind down with books, songs, and cozy lighting.

Nightlights and smart clocks

While TV, tablets, and overhead lighting should go off well before bedtime, nightlights and smart clocks can be beneficial for many kids. The Cleveland Clinic says relatively dim nightlights are no problem. And app-controlled clocks designed for younger children can be set to illuminate or change color at certain hours, helping kiddos know when it’s time to sleep and when it’s OK to get out of bed in the morning.

Sunlight

Sometimes how you start the day can reinforce a good night’s sleep. Exposure to sunlight first thing in the morning, for example while eating breakfast, can help regulate a child’s sleep hormones and circadian rhythm.

Maintaining a bedtime routine

Developing and maintaining a consistent bedtime routine is crucial for achieving healthy sleep habits. Stanford Health explains that it can be comforting for children to know what to expect at the end of the day while regulating their circadian rhythm.

Of course, push-back is to be expected at pretty much any age. But when you stick to it, your child will start getting tired around the same time each day, which can help them fall asleep faster.

Focused attention before bed

Kids who resist bedtime more often than not or have a habit of hopping out of bed after the lights go out might be craving focused attention from their parents. Raising children is exhausting, to say the least, and it’s understandable to try to rush through bedtime.

But spending just 10 extra minutes reading stories, talking about the day, or cuddling before tucking your child in could make a world of difference.

Sleep changes with puberty

Around when your child starts to experience changes related to puberty, their sleep will also be impacted. Hormones are now telling their bodies it’s not time to go to sleep for about 2 hours after their usual 8-9 pm sleep window. Working through this natural change can be tricky while helping them still get their 9 hours of daily sleep. Extra sleep on the weekends may throw their internal clock off even more, but short naps and consistent bedtime routines may be helpful.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• Stanford Children’s Health. Healthy Sleep Habits. Stanford Medicine. 2022. Web.
• Stanford Children’s Health. Tips for better rest. Stanford Medicine. 2022. Web.
• Cleveland Clinic. Sleep in Toddlers & Preschoolers. Health Essentials. 2020. Web.
• Stanford Health. Why Bedtime Routines Matter. Fit Stanford. Web.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Healthy Sleep Habits: How Many Hours Does Your Child Need? 2020. Healthychildren.org.
• “Sleep and Teens.” UCLA Health. UCLA. https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/sleep-disorders/patient-resources/patient-education/sleep-and-teens.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tooth decay is one of the most common chronic health problems among children. Affecting roughly 20% of kids between 5 and 11, it can be not only painful but also a potential concern when permanent teeth grow in. The good news is that the condition is totally preventable.

Keep scrolling for insight into when to start brushing your kid’s teeth and tips for developing an oral hygiene routine for children of all ages.

When to start

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and American Dental Association (ADA) both recommend starting a brushing routine around 6 months of age or when the first tooth erupts. Though tooth decay could develop soon as your child’s first teeth appear, a survey by the CDC found that 80% of kids don’t start brushing until after their first birthday.

Of course, it’s never too late to start. We compiled tips and guidance for babies, toddlers, and older kids below.

Teeth brushing for babies and toddlers

While you might be met with resistance at first, brushing your child’s teeth can be a simple, fuss-free process.

What type of toothbrush to use

A soft washcloth or a small piece of wet gauze can work when wiping down an infant’s teeth and gums. When your child’s first few teeth come in, you can graduate to a small soft-bristle toothbrush.

Then once you hit the toddler stage, consider upgrading to an electric toothbrush. Most experts consider this safe after age 3. You can also find vibrating silicone brushes with U-shaped heads that clean kids’ teeth without having to be moved around.

How much toothpaste to use

The ADA recommends using a very small smear of fluoride toothpaste from ages 0 to 3 — about the size of a single grain of rice.

Introducing concepts with books and videos

You can’t expect babies and toddlers to fully grasp the concept of oral hygiene. Still, books and videos can help introduce the idea and potentially get your child excited about brushing.

Teeth brushing for older kids

Most kids still need at least some help brushing until about age 8.

How much toothpaste to use

For children 3 and older, the ADA recommends a pea-sized amount of toothpaste. Before you start adding more to their toothbrush, make sure they can spit on command and remind them not to swallow their toothpaste.

Fun toothbrushes and toothpaste

Even with good habits in place from a young age, teeth brushing just isn’t most kids’ idea of fun. With that in mind, flavored toothpaste and toothbrushes featuring their favorite characters might encourage them to stick with it.

Time it

Brushing twice a day for two minutes is ideal, but this is easier said than done — even for adults. Kids’ electric toothbrushes often have built-in timers, sometimes with songs that play for two minutes. If not, you can use your phone, a kitchen timer, or get an hourglass for the bathroom counter.

Good habits chart

If your kiddo responds well to rewards, you can create a good habits chart for teeth brushing. Add a sticker each time, then figure out what a brushing streak will get them — maybe a new book or a few extra minutes of screen time before bed.

The importance of fluoride at every age

The ADA only recommends toothpastes containing fluoride, as it’s the only ingredient proven to prevent tooth decay. While it’s important not to swallow toothpaste, fluoride is safe to use. The mineral occurs naturally in oceans, lakes, and rivers, though some cities add extra to the municipal water.

Fluoridated water can be beneficial for infants and toddlers who are still working on their brushing skills. If your community water supply doesn’t have it, you can also ask your pediatrician to prescribe fluoride drops or chewable tablets.

What about flossing?

Children should also floss daily if possible, but we realize adding another step to the routine may seem like a tough feat. Focusing on molars, which fall out later than front teeth and are harder to brush, is a first step. Toddlers can start practicing with flosser picks. When they get used to the idea, you can show them how to work the floss between their teeth. Just bear in mind many kids don’t master flossing until about age 8, so you’ll likely need to lend a hand each night.

Regular dental visits

Regular dental visits are also important. The ADA suggests bringing your child in before their first birthday or as soon as their first tooth comes in, then every six months moving forward. This will help them get used to the process early on. If you have dental insurance, signing them up for coverage at the same time you enroll them in medical insurance can help cover these visits!

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• Cleveland Clinic. Parents: You May Not Start Brushing Your Child’s Teeth As Soon As You Should ― and Yes, It’s a Big Problem! Health Essentials. 2019. Web.
• Mouth Healthy. Healthy Habits. American Dental Association. Web.
• Mark AM. Your child’s teeth. Journal of the American Dental Association. 2019. DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adaj.2018.11.009
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Good Oral Health Starts Early. 2020. Web.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children’s Oral Health. Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2022.
• Thornton-Evans G, et al. Use of Toothpaste and Toothbrushing Patterns Among Children and Adolescents — United States, 2013–2016. Division of Oral Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2019.

So, how much screen time is too much for a 10-year-old? Find helpful insight, tips, and guidance below.

Daily screen time for 10-year-olds

The AAP recommends no more than two hours of daily screen time for 10-year-olds, including TV shows, movies, video games, social media, and short video content like YouTube. Their recommendations look different for younger children.

The concern with “too much” screen time

Is it that big a deal to allow an hour or two more of TV? Going over the limit doesn’t automatically mean your child will struggle in school or lash out at home. But statistically speaking, too much screen time increases the risk of obesity, sleep issues, violent tendencies (when violent images are on the screen), and other behavioral issues. Additionally, it leaves less time for beneficial activities like reading, art projects, social interaction, and outdoor play.

Making rules and setting limits

The AAP’s Family Media Use Plan makes it easy to outline a healthy balance of media use and other activities for different childhood stages. Once you figure out how much screen time to allow, you’ll want to communicate the rules. (The Media Use Plan has tips for this too.)

Explain what your child’s daily limit is, when screen time is allowed (such as only after school or dinner), and what they need to do beforehand (like finishing their homework or doing a chore). You can set a timer or use the built-in parental controls on your devices to limit the amount of time and which hours of the day your child can use them.

Exceptions to screen time limits

Up to two hours of daily screen time is a great goal. But there might be exceptions where you allow a bit more, like sick days, school closures, plane travel, road trips, having friends over, birthdays, and assigned schoolwork and projects. In addition, children who are isolated, chronically ill or who are looking for a welcoming community (like an LGBTQ+ community) may benefit greatly from access to screens.

Teaching healthy media behaviors

About two-thirds of kids between 9 and 11 regularly use a smartphone, and about 10% use social media. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating media with preteens, but teaching healthy online behaviors is a good place to start.

Talk to your child about what they can use digital devices for, such as watching age-appropriate movies and shows, listening to music, and calling friends. You’ll also want to go over what’s not OK, like chatting with strangers, cyberbullying, sending pictures of themselves, and sharing personal information. Monitoring their accounts is essential, kids at this age shouldn’t have any expectation that their account is “just for them.”

Other helpful ideas (beyond time limits)

• Keep screens out of the bedroom always.
• Snacks/meals and screen time are best kept separate. 
• Delay social media use for as long as possible — and closely monitor accounts.
• Once homework starts coming home, avoid use of screens (even in the background) while academic work is being done.
• Challenge yourself and other adults in the home to decrease screen use in the presence of children. Young children need responsive interaction, and our responsible use of screens is also very important. 

Being realistic about the modern world

While you probably had significantly less access to media as an adolescent, it’s OK to accept that the world your child is growing up in is vastly different than when you were a kid. It can be hard to keep up with the latest apps and trends! Not only is there more access today, but smartphones and laptops are becoming standard for school work. 

It’s wise to set limits and monitor the content your child sees. Still, there’s something to be said about encouraging digital literacy, enjoying new movies, and allowing kids to participate in age-appropriate pop culture.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. Screen time and children: How to guide your child. Mayo Clinic. Healthy Lifestyle. 2022. Web.
• Hill D, et al. Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics. 2016. 138 (5): e20162591. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2591
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Ratings: Making Healthy Media Choices. Pediatric Patient Education.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Beyond Screen Time: A Parent’s Guide to Media Use. Pediatric Patient Education. 2021. doi.org/10.1542/peo_document099
• Hill D, et al. Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 138 (5): e20162592. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2592
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Media and Children. 2021. Web.
• Auxier B, et al. Children’s engagement with digital devices, screen time. Pew Research Center. 2020. Web.

So, how much screen time is too much for a 7-year-old? Keep reading for useful insight and guidance for navigating the digital world with your child.

Daily screen time for 7-year-olds

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no more than two hours of daily screen time for kids between 6 and 10, including TV shows, video games, and short video content like YouTube. Recommendations are different for younger children.

The concern with “too much” screen time

Is it really that big a deal to let your kid watch more TV? Going slightly over the limit may not be an issue, but especially when it comes to children under 9, even a little bit of extra screen time puts a child at higher risk for obesity. There are also concerns for sleep issues, violent tendencies when exposed to violent images, and other behavioral issues. What’s more, it leaves less time for reading, games, art, outdoor play, social interaction, and other beneficial activities.

Making rules and setting limits

You can use the AAP’s Family Media Use Plan to create a healthy balance of media use and other activities for different childhood stages. Once you’ve decided how much screen time to allow, you’ll need to communicate the rules to your child. (The AAP’s plan has tips for this too.)

Explain what their daily limit is, when they’re allowed to watch TV or play games (such as only after school), and what they need to do before starting (like finishing their homework or eating dinner). You can set a timer or use built-in parental controls on your TV or tablet to limit the amount of time your child can use a device, as well as which hours of the day they can use it.

If your child has been used to a bit more leeway, the new rules might be met with resistance, grumpiness, or claims of unfairness. However, they should adjust to the change if you guide them consistently.

Exceptions to screen time limits

Aiming for no more than two hours a day is a good goal. However, there might be exceptions where you allow a little more screen time, like plane travel, sick days, school closures, having friends over, birthdays, and other special occasions. In addition, children who are isolated, chronically ill, or who are looking for a welcoming community (like an LGBTQ+ community) may benefit greatly from access to screens.

When screen time is beneficial

Not all screen time is bad. There’s actually lots of great content for children these days, including shows and games. High-quality programs can promote healthy communication, encourage interactive learning, and expose your child to current events and social issues in an age-appropriate manner.

They can also introduce new ideas and unfamiliar situations. For instance, watching a show about attending a new school, flying on an airplane, or welcoming a younger sibling can help your child better understand what’s ahead and potentially feel less nervous.

Teaching healthy media behaviors

Your 7-year-old is probably too young for social media, but it’s never too soon to talk to them about age-appropriate content and healthy media behaviors. Discuss what types of things they’re allowed to do (like watch approved shows and play educational games) and what’s not OK (such as online chatting, sharing personal information, and sending pictures of themselves). Monitoring social media accounts is essential.

Other helpful ideas (beyond time limits)

• Keep screens out of the bedroom always.
• Snacks/meals and screen time are best kept separate. 
• Delay social media use for as long as possible — and closely monitor accounts.
• Once homework starts coming home, avoid the use of screens (even in the background) while schoolwork is being done.
• Challenge yourself and other adults in the home to decrease screen use in the presence of children. Young children need responsive interaction, and our responsible use of screens is also very important. 

Being realistic about the modern world

Your 7-year-old self probably had substantially less access to media. While saving up your money for the latest CD might have been a point of pride, it’s OK to accept that the world your child is growing up in is vastly different than when you were a kid.

Smartphones, tablets, and laptops are becoming standard for school work, and it’s important for children to be digitally literate. And while it’s good to set limits and monitor the content your child watches, you can still let them enjoy their favorite shows, watch new movies, and participate in age-appropriate pop culture — all within reason, of course.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. Screen time and children: How to guide your child. Mayo Clinic. Healthy Lifestyle. 2022. Web.
• Hill D, et al. Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics. 2016. 138 (5): e20162591. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2591
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Ratings: Making Healthy Media Choices. Pediatric Patient Education.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Beyond Screen Time: A Parent’s Guide to Media Use. Pediatric Patient Education. 2021. doi.org/10.1542/peo_document099
• Hill D, et al. Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 138 (5): e20162592. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2592
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Media and Children. 2021. Web.7. Auxier B, et al. Children’s engagement with digital devices, screen time. Pew Research Center. 2020. Web.

So, how much screen time is too much for a 5-year-old? Keep reading for helpful insight and recommendations for navigating the digital world with young children.

Daily screen time for 5-year-olds

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no more than an hour of daily screen time for kids 5 and under. You can expand the limit by a half-hour or an hour when your child turns 6 or 7, but for younger kiddos, 60 minutes or less is ideal.

The concern with “too much” screen time

So, what’s the harm in letting your child watch more TV? Statistically speaking, the concern with too much screen time is that it puts kids at a higher risk for obesity, attention problems, sleep issues, and violent tendencies when violent shows or games are on the screen. Additionally, it leaves less time for beneficial activities like reading, art, social interaction, and outdoor play.

Exceptions to screen time limits

While striving for an hour a day is great, going over the limit once in a while isn’t the end of the world. There are many reasonable exceptions, like school closures, plane travel, having friends over, birthdays, and other special occasions. The AAP also makes exceptions at every age for video calling family or friends — that’s always okay.

Also, most movies are more than an hour long. Letting your child watch their favorites on occasion doesn’t mean you’re failing them in any way.

Making the most of screen time

We couldn’t say the same just a decade or two ago, but these days, there’s actually a lot of great content for younger kiddos — even beyond PBS. These types of screen time are beneficial for kids when used in small amounts. Shows and tablet games can be educational while encouraging good behaviors and healthy communication.

They can also help introduce new ideas your child may be resistant to or nervous about, such as flying on an airplane, going to a new school, or welcoming a younger sibling.

Age-appropriate shows

According to the AAP, children are easily influenced by everything they see and hear. With this in mind, it’s important to find high-quality content for your kid to watch. Some of the best shows help younger kids learn numbers, letters, words, and songs, while other programs encourage creativity, good manners, and problem-solving skills.

Most cable and streaming services have parental controls that make it easy to block mature content and present your child with only age-appropriate shows. Though you may have to pay a monthly fee, you can also limit the ads your child sees when playing games and watching shows.

Additionally, resources like Common Sense Media rate and review children’s media, then make age-appropriate recommendations with positive messages and educational value.

Interactive games

Yes, there is such a thing as an educational video game. While we don’t recommend getting your 5-year-old a PlayStation, there are some great interactive mobile games for tablets. Your child can match images, identify shapes, find hidden pictures, and learn to count or sound out words. As long as it’s within a reasonable limit, there’s also something to be said about kids developing basic digital skills, like tapping buttons and dragging images on a screen.

Other helpful ideas (beyond time limits)

• Keep screens out of the bedroom always.
• Snacks/meals and screen time are best kept separate. 
• Delay social media use for as long as possible — and closely monitor accounts.
• Once homework starts coming home, avoid use of screens (even in the background) while academic work is being done.
• Challenge yourself and other adults in the home to decrease screen use in the presence of children. Young children need responsive interaction, and our responsible use of screens is also very important. 
• As always, check in with your pediatrician for recommendations based on your child’s unique needs.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• Mayo Clinic Staff. Screen time and children: How to guide your child. Mayo Clinic. Healthy Lifestyle. 2022. Web.
• Hill D, et al. Media and Young Minds. Pediatrics. 2016. 138 (5): e20162591. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2591
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Ratings: Making Healthy Media Choices. Pediatric Patient Education.
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Beyond Screen Time: A Parent’s Guide to Media Use. Pediatric Patient Education. 2021. doi.org/10.1542/peo_document099
• Hill D, et al. Media Use in School-Aged Children and Adolescents. Pediatrics. 138 (5): e20162592. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2016-2592
• American Academy of Pediatrics. Media and Children. 2021. Web.
• Auxier B, et al. Children’s engagement with digital devices, screen time. Pew Research Center. 2020. Web.

Like potty training, independent bathing is one milestone that can make parents’ lives so much easier. So, when can your child start taking showers? Read on for insight.

When should kids start taking showers?

Every kid is different. Some will be ready to take showers by age 6, while others may not be up for it until they’re 10 or older. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all age, you’ll want to take into account your kiddo’s understanding of the bathing process, their ability to wash their own body, and of course, their willingness to try it. Following their lead is a great approach.

Helping your child take their first shower

Some parents or much older siblings shower with their little ones from a young age. Not all babies and toddlers enjoy showers, but for those who do, this may help ease them into the idea. In any case, you’ll want to help your child take their first shower before letting them try it on their own. This can help them understand the order of what to do, step 1 turn on the shower, step 2 check the temperature, step 3 put shampoo on your hand, and so on!

If your child enjoys sprinkler play on sunny days, you can tell them the shower is kind of like a sprinkler. Try introducing the overhead water stream during a bath, starting with a light sprinkle, then add more pressure if they like it.

Then if they’re up for it, try it without the bath component. These first few go-arounds, guide your kiddo in washing their body and hair, explaining how to rinse thoroughly and avoid getting soap in their eyes. Using tear free shampoo at first can be really helpful. 

Shower safety for kids

High water temperatures and slippery surfaces can be a safety concern for independent showering. You might be able to set a temperature limit for your water heater. If not, consider marking the faucet dial so your child knows exactly where to set it. Teaching them to wait after the water is running and check the temperature with their hand is an important step. A grippy mat can help prevent slips.

Don’t push it

The transition may be an exciting, welcoming change for some. But others may be more timid about the process, particularly those with sensory processing issues. If your child isn’t enthusiastic about taking showers, don’t push the issue.

It’s completely fine to continue taking baths for the time being. You can always reintroduce the idea down the road. And who knows? Your child may express interest sooner than later, whether they want privacy, independence, or just decide showering sounds fun.

How often should kids shower?

How often a kid should shower depends on what they do throughout the day. For instance, playing soccer, building sand castles, and splashing in mud puddles will get them dirtier than a quieter day of books, crafts, and indoor play.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, children 11 and younger (including babies and toddlers) should bathe at least three times a week. While daily cleaning isn’t always necessary, consistency can be helpful for maintaining a bedtime routine. For tweens and teens, daily showering is recommended.

Making this milestone as smooth as possible

The transition from baths to showers should be a positive experience. To help this milestone go as smoothly as possible, parents can talk to their kids about what it means (independence, privacy, no bath before bedtime, etc.) and encourage them to speak up about any concerns. You can also mark the occasion with new washcloths, fun sponges, or their choice of new body wash. And as always, check in with your pediatrician if you have any questions along the way.

Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources

• Cleveland Clinic. How Often Should Your Kids Take a Bath or Shower? Health Essentials. Pediatrics. 2020. Web.
• McCarthy C. Does your child need to bathe every day? Harvard Health Publishing. Harvard Medical School. 2021. Web.
• Arky B. Sensory Processing Issues Explained. Child Mind Institute. 2022. Web.