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Top Issues for Tweens
How to Keep Your Preteen Healthy By Kendeyl Johansen
Violence is another important health issue that impacts tweens. "Witnessing violence between parents can have long-lasting, devastating effects on children," says Dr. Franchek-Roa. It's essential to discuss any violent episode a child witnessed, or was involved in, with a pediatrician so that community services can be accessed if needed.
"Not addressing violence with children is teaching them that it is OK to hurt other people," says Dr. Franchek-Roa. "We need to instill in our children that 'abuse is not OK.'" For more information call the National Violence Domestic Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.
Bullying also affects preteen health. Bullying often starts as teasing but it can escalate into violence and psychological problems for both the bully and the victim.
"Teaching your child early on to understand people's feelings and to not take advantage of others is a very important lesson that should be instilled early in life and then further advanced when children move away from egocentric thinking," says Dr. Franchek-Roa. "Parents are an important motivating force that can keep their children's schools safe." Kathy Anderson of Park City, Utah, discusses bullying and hurt feelings with her 10-year-old daughter. "Rachel has really learned how to empathize with her classmates," says Anderson. "When she sees bullying at recess she makes a special effort to be a friend to the bullied child."
Parents can demonstrate the value of learning by helping with homework, getting involved in school activities and participating in school-sponsored events. "School is a primary influence in your child becoming a successful adult," says Dr. Franchek-Roa.