Summary: From the overwhelm of technology to packed school-day schedules, the stage is set for kids to be tired and sick.Raising kids in this day and age is not easy. From the overwhelm of technology to packed school-day schedules, the stage is set for kids to be just plain tired and sick. Jennifer Trachtenberg, MD, author of Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children, joins Dr. Taz to share her top tips for raising healthy kids. Technology Create healthy habits surrounding technology. Place limits on when and where your kids can access devices. This varies from family to family, but a good rule of thumb is to ban screens/interruptions at the dinner table and an hour before bed. Don't sit your toddler down in front of a screen. Kids learn and thrive the best when they "play" with real, 3D toys. As they get older, educational programs are fine in small doses. Elementary schools are starting to use devices like iPads within the curriculum. Physical play is still essential, so schedule it if needed. Nutrition Don't single out picky eaters (or alternatively, really good eaters). Be a role model with your own healthy choices. Understand how important breakfast is. Your kids have a long day ahead, and you don't always know what they're eating for lunch. Be prepared for that healthy breakfast. Set the table and the menu the night before. Don't cater to pickiness; one child can pick the menu one day, another can pick the next, etc. Sleep Over-scheduling has made it challenging to balance sleep and activities, but kids need downtime to unwind before they go to sleep. Have a sleep routine, or good "sleep hygiene." Have them read instead of watching TV or being on the computer. Dr. Jen also discusses how you can maximize appointments with your pediatrician by fully preparing before you get to the appointment. Write down any questions and ask them right away. Don't wait until your doctor is walking out the door. Be honest and truthful. You need to feel comfortable with your healthcare provider and he needs all the information in order to effectively treat your child. Finally, Dr. Jen provides her take on antibiotic use (or overuse) and when she feels antibiotics are appropriate.
