Peninsula Pediatrics

Category: Teen Health & Wellness

Preparing Your Child for College

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Do you have a child going off to college this year? Starting college is an exciting milestone for both kids and parents. However, this new chapter can also bring about anxiety. Your child might be living away from home for the first time, making decisions on their own, becoming more independent, and taking on new challenges. We have tips on how to ease this transition, help your child feel prepared, and guide them on how to make healthy and informed choices.

Navigating Emotions and Fears About College
Before college begins in the fall, check in with your teen to see how they’re feeling. It’s normal for them to have a mix of emotions and thoughts about college, including excitement, worries, curiosity, and sadness. They might be looking forward to this next major step in their life and making new friends, while also feeling sad about moving away from their home and the life they have known. Remind them that they’re not alone and that many teens feel this way about starting college.

Your teen might also have concerns that they won’t be able to adapt to the academic challenges of college, choose a major, or make friends. One of the best ways to help your child manage their doubts and fears is to teach them how to reframe them and use positive affirmations. Talk to them about how much they have accomplished so far and the skills that they’ve already developed. Let them know that as they go through college, they will continue growing and be able to tackle new challenges. You can also introduce simple mindfulness or journaling exercises to help them process their emotions and stay grounded. If your child feels anxious about moving away from home, it’s important to let them know that your support doesn’t end just because they’ll be living somewhere else. Reassure them that they can always call and text you when they need help or someone to talk to.

Helping Teens Build Healthy Habits for College
College can throw routines out of balance, so help your teen create a foundation of good habits and self-care practices before they start their first semester. For example, many teens don’t get enough sleep to keep up with their school demands and social life. However, sleep is essential for concentration and mental health. Encourage your child to prioritize their rest, eat healthy and well-balanced meals, stay active, and take breaks from screens and social media. Building these habits before move-in day can make it easier for them to stick. It’s also helpful to go over other important life skills, such as time management and keeping up with their dental and doctor appointments. If your child uses any medications, talk to them about taking them as instructed and staying on top of their prescriptions.

Making Safe and Healthy Choices in College
Additionally, you’ll also want to have a conversation with your child about making safe, healthy, and responsible choices. Discuss alcohol and drug use and warn them about the dangers of binge drinking and substance abuse. Binge drinking is typically defined as having 4-5 or more alcoholic drinks within a single period. Consuming too much alcohol can lead to severe illness, long-term health problems, and even death. Alcohol can also impair judgment, which can lead to irresponsible decisions and make one vulnerable to dangerous situations. It’s important that your child understands the risks. If they are of legal age and choose to drink, encourage them to always eat beforehand, drink water in between alcoholic beverages, and know their limits. They should avoid exceeding a moderate amount, which is 1-2 drinks. However, note that no amount of alcohol is considered safe. Furthermore, you’ll want to remind your child to never drink and drive. It’s also imperative that your teen understands that alcohol and drugs should never be used to cope with mental health struggles. If they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed, encourage them to talk to someone they trust or seek support from a counselor.

Lastly, it’s important to talk to your teen about safe sex and what healthy, respectful relationships look like. Have a conversation with them about consent and remind them that they should never do anything they’re uncomfortable with or because they feel pressured to. If your teen chooses to be sexually active, make sure they know about precautions to follow, including how to use protection. If they’re considering birth control pills, they should first speak with a healthcare provider. And even if they are taking precautions, it’s still important that they keep up with medical checkups for testing and that they get vaccinated against HPV. For more information about birth control, visit this guide.

Remember that before your child starts college, they should be up-to-date with their vaccinations and physicals. To schedule an appointment or talk about health planning for college, please call our office.

Substance Abuse Prevention in Kids

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Substance abuse can be a challenging topic for parents, but it’s important to talk to your kids about drugs and alcohol to prevent harmful consequences for their health and safety. As kids navigate their adolescent years and are looking to explore new things, peer pressure, curiosity, and stress can lead them to experiment with drugs and alcohol. As a parent, understanding the risks, having open communication, and taking preventive steps can make all the difference.

Kids turn to drugs and alcohol for various reasons, including stress and anxiety, which could result from academic pressures, conflicts with family or friends, and other life challenges. Peer pressure and watching friends use drugs and alcohol can also encourage them. Other contributing factors are curiosity and seeing drugs and alcohol glamorized in movies, TV shows, social media, and music. 

Research shows that establishing clear boundaries and providing parental support reduces the risk of teens turning to substance use. Start by creating a safe environment that encourages your teen to discuss their struggles and issues. This will give you the opportunity to provide them guidance on developing healthy coping mechanisms to handle stress and regulate their emotions. By showing compassion and understanding, you can help make your child feel they have an adult to turn to for support. While it’s essential to regularly talk to your kids about substance use, you’ll want to avoid lectures and instead have an open conversation with your kids that allows them to share their thoughts. Be clear, however, of your expectations and set boundaries for their health and safety. 

Kids are more likely to follow your guidance if you emphasize the risks and dangers of substance use. Many teens believe marijuana is harmless, especially as it’s becoming legal in more states. However, marijuana can impair memory, judgment, and motor skills. The risk is higher in children and adolescents as their brains are developing. Edible marijuana products are even more dangerous since their effects can take longer to appear and lead to users consuming more than they may have intended. A high dose of marijuana can cause severe intoxication, panic attacks, and hospitalization. 

Additionally, smoking tobacco can damage the lungs and increase the risk of cancer, gum disease, and tooth decay. Alcohol is also dangerous for kids and teens whose brains are not fully developed yet. It can cause memory issues and risky behaviors and lead to long-term problems such as liver damage, heart disease, and potentially cancer. Make sure your kids understand the consequences of using these substances so that they can make healthy choices. 

Help your teens resist peer pressure by instilling self-confidence in them and empowering them to say no. Teach them firm ways of expressing disinterest and share strategies for redirecting the conversation. For example, they could say, “No, I don’t drink,” and then change the subject. 

If you suspect or discover that your child is using drugs or alcohol or smoking tobacco, it’s important to approach the situation with concern instead of anger. Start the conversation in a non-judgmental way to understand why they’re using substances. You can then work with them to develop solutions to get them to stop their use. In some cases, professional intervention might be necessary, especially if your child has an addiction or a substance abuse problem. An effective drug treatment program will have a psychiatrist or a clinical psychologist with expertise in associated medical, emotional, or behavioral issues, family therapy services, peer support groups guided by a professional facilitator, and an abstinence-only policy. If the center treats both minors and adults, the adolescent unit should be kept separate.  

For further guidance on choosing the right drug treatment program or any concerns related to substance abuse, please call our office. Our pediatrician is here to help your family and provide the resources you need. 



Preparing Young Girls for Puberty and Menstruation

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Puberty is the stage of life when your child’s body starts going through physical changes as it becomes sexually mature and capable of reproduction. For most girls, this is typically between the ages 8 and 13. The earliest sign you might see is the development of breast “buds,” which are tiny bumps under the nipple. Your child might start growing body hair as well, including pubic hair. Menstruation also begins about 2 or 3 years after the start of puberty. The average age in America for when girls get their first period is 12. As a parent, it’s important to talk to your child about the new changes they experience and to prepare them in advance. It’s likely your child will have questions and knowing how to answer common questions will make having these conversations easier. 

Breast development can make young girls anxious, especially since usually one breast starts developing before the other, causing the sizes of the breasts to be different. Let your daughter know that this is completely normal to ease any potential fears. You may also want to help them find new clothes and a training bra that disguises their breast development if it will make her feel more comfortable and less self-conscious.  

As your daughter starts growing body hair, she might show an interest in shaving and removing the hair. Keep in mind that this is a personal preference your child might have and it is not medically necessary. But if your child chooses to shave, it’s important to teach them how to do so safely. Without following precautions, shaving can cause cuts, razor burns, and irritation, leading to the risk of skin infection. Advise your daughter to always wet their skin first and apply lotion or gel. They should only apply light pressure when shaving and replace the razor or blade often. Razors should never be shared as that can cause an infection. There are electric shavers designed for girls that could be used as safer alternatives to traditional razors. 

As girls approach their first period, they may experience vaginal discharge which is usually clear or white. This can occur 6 months to a year before menstruation begins and is a response to the increase of estrogen happening in the body. Let your daughter know that this is normal. She might have questions about periods and you’ll want to make her feel comfortable to talk about it. It’s especially helpful to let your daughter know what to expect before they get their period. Talk to them about using menstrual products like pads and tampons and good hygiene practices, such as changing the pad or tampon often. If your child expresses concern about menstrual cramps and discomfort, let them know about home remedies that can help such as using a hot water bottle or heating pad, as well as taking an over-the-counter painkiller.  

Puberty brings about new changes for children as they make the transition into adulthood. And those changes can bring about uncertainty, confusion, and anxiety. By engaging in conversations with your child about puberty, you can make the navigation during this life stage easier for them. If you have any concerns about your child’s development or if you notice signs of early puberty (before age 8), call our office to talk to our pediatrician.