HYGIENE & HEALTH
TEEN HYGIENE
Getting in the routine of good hygiene health is important as it benefits your child medically, emotionally, and socially.
During the middle school years, the teen mind and body are continuously changing.
Examples of good teen hygiene health include: Showering daily, oral hygiene (brushing, flossing) everyday, and using a deodorant daily.
How are you taking care of yourself?
What do you do for self-care or wellness? Having a balance of time outside school to engage with any healthful activity that helps you feel more engaged and connected are important routines to have in your daily schedule.
Outdoor wellness activity examples: Walking, hiking, riding bike, running, fishing, hunting, yard work, sports, outdoor games, treasure hunting, kayaking, canoeing, journaling, recreation with pets, and talk time with friend or loved one.
Indoor wellness activity examples: Board games, card games, stretching, puzzles, music, art, crafts, creating, indoor exercise, playing with a pet, journaling, baking, cooking, cleaning, reading, and talk time with friend or loved one.
Virtual Calming Site: Check it out!
emotions in the middle
Is your teen or tween moody, more private or self-conscious?
If you are thinking "yes" to this question, please know you are not alone. Middle school age is an age where your child will experience his or her body and emotions changing rapidly. Physical growth and worries about friends, sports, and school work can result in increased moodiness.
Ways to cope:
Encourage your child's strengths and keep them involved in their real life activities of interest.
Let them know you are there to talk and listen.
Monitor their personal/social screen time. Balance this with talk time, and engagement in indoor/outdoor activities.
Digital moods
While there are benefits to your child having a device or a phone, teens may not be aware of how electronic devices affect their moods. Encourage your middle school age child to notice how he/she is feels when he/she is online with social media, messaging, or youtube (just a few examples). There are apps and online resources that may help your middle school age child feel more relaxed or engaged positively. Being in touch with family and friends and doing school work online is positive. Yet a drama-filled group chat, social media, or certain social sites such as could increase anxiety or stress with your teen.
Suggest activities in real life that help your child feel good. Often times it may feel helpful to plan activities where your child has a digital detox.