Routine Well Visit: 6-8 years

Development - What to Expect

• Will write numbers and words more accurately.
• Will be able to do simple adding/subtracting.
• Show more independence and want to be like and accepted by friends.
• This is a critical time for children to develop confidence in many areas of their life. Help build the child's self esteem and confidence during this stage.
• Will become more aware of what others are doing which this might lead to comparisons to other kids.
• Will be more aware of events seen/heard on the news, like natural disasters. Talk to your child in a way she can understand, but without too much detail.
• Play will become more complex.
• Friendships give your child a sense of belonging and help him/her learn and practice basic social skills like sharing and negotiating. will have a better understanding of the relationship between cause and effect and begin to see how his/her actions affect others.
• This age group can still be self-centered, and relationships may also be challenging because friends can sometimes be bossy and may sometimes leave one child out of an activity. Watch out for signs of bullying

Visit: www.HealthyChildren.org, search topics like "Problems With Peers" for resources

Safety

• Independence can lead to physical injuries and accidents and the child may engage in more dangerous activities.
• Your child must be in a booster seat until the adult safety belts fit correctly (approximately age 8-12 or when height reaches 49"). The safest place for children is in the back seat.
• Should be able to swim independently, so review swim safety
• Use sunscreen SPF 50 in the summer.
• Use insect repellants containing DEET or Picaridin.
• Ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working appropriately.
• Limit total screen time (TV, mobile devices, computer, iPad, videogames, etc.) to less than 1 hour per day.
• Counsel your child to avoid use of alcohol, tobacco, drugs, or inhalants and be clear about the dangers these behaviors present.
• Always wear helmets when riding bike or scooter.
• Discuss "stranger danger" — teach your child that it is never okay for an adult to tell a child to keep secrets, or to express interest in private parts.

Visit www.HealthyChildren.org, search topics like "Safety for Your Child", "Booster Seats for SchoolAged Children", "Fire Safety"; www.SafeKids.org for resources,

Nutrition

• -Encourage healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables
• -Limit sugary, high fat and low nutrient foods & beverages.
• -encourage family meals without any distractions like TV and electronics.
• Emphasize the importance of regular exercise

Visit: www.ChooseMyPlate.gov; www.EatRight.org for resources and also:
Childhood Nutrition - HealthyChildren.org
( https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/nutrition/Pages/Childhood-Nutrition.aspx )