IMMUNIZATIONS

 

If your child hasn’t yet received the “kindergarten” vaccines (MMR, DTaP, Polio and varicella boosters), we will do those today. We recommend annual flu shots in the fall/winter months as well.

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DIET

Provide a well-rounded diet including the four food groups: meat & protein (4 servings), milk & dairy (2 servings), fruits & veggies (4 or more servings), and bread & cereal (4 servings). Continue to limit sweets and encourage water instead of juice or soda. Children should not have any more than 8 ounces of fruit juice a day, and we discourage allowing any soda. Children brought up eating nutritious foods and staying active are more likely to continue those healthy behaviors throughout their lives!

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HEALTH CARE

Teeth:  Continue to assist with brushing as needed twice a day. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are encouraged.

Sleep: A consistent bedtime routine will help your child wind down at the end of the day. Spend some quality time with your child just before bedtime. Talk about the day or read a book. If your child awakens during the night, offer reassurance, but discourage your child from getting into bed with you.

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Sickness prevention: Teach good hand washing after using the restroom and before meals. Also teach your child to cough and sneeze into his or her sleeve to prevent spreading germs to others. Consider annual flu vaccines for your child as well.

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SAFETY

 

• For children less than 40 pounds, a booster seat is still needed. Always use a seat belt! The back seat is the safest place to be in an accident, and that’s where your child should ride until he or she is 80 lbs.

• GUN safety is always a must. If you own a gun, be sure it is always unloaded and locked up when inside the house, and make sure the safety is on. Keep guns out of children’s reach!

• Review the plan of escape for the entire family in case of fire. Check smoke detectors monthly.

• Children are curious. Keep matches, knives, chemicals and medicines out of their reach.

• Continue to teach street safety and stranger safety.

• Teach bicycle safety. Helmets should be worn when riding a bike.

• Sunscreen should be worn every time your child goes outside.

• Keep the poison control number near the phone. 1-800-222-1222.

• Your child should know his/her full name, address, phone number and parents’ first names in case of an emergency.

 

DEVELOPMENT

PHYSICAL

 

• can sit quietly

• can walk a straight line; skips

• dresses fairly well without help

 

SOCIAL

• expresses anger verbally instead of in temper tantrums

• likes to help with errands and tasks and tries hard to do things the right way

• likes routine and organization

• good memory of past events and some concept of future

 

LANGUAGE

 

• carries on conversations using full sentences and is clearly understandable

 

Next appointment is at 6 years of age, but please come back sooner if you have an concerns about your child’s health or development!!

 

AGE APPROPRIATE CHORES FOR CHILDREN

Giving your children chores to complete can give them a sense of accomplishment, foster feelings of belonging, and encourage responsibility. There are several chores that are appropriate for a 5 year old child:

• Feed pets

• Wipe up spills

• Put away toys

• Make the bed

• Straighten the bedroom

• Water houseplants

• Sort and clean silverware