Child's Well Visit, 5 Years: Care Instructions

Your child may like to play with friends and have an interest in connections between people. They may be a great little storyteller.

Forming healthy eating habits

• Offer healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables.
• Let your child choose how much they eat. If they aren't hungry, it's okay for them to wait until the next meal or snack.
• Offer water when your child is thirsty. Avoid juice and soda pop.
• Remove screens when eating. Make meals a time for family to connect.

Being active as a family

• Let your child play and be active for at least 1 hour every day.
• Visit the park. Go for walks and bike rides together, if you can.

Practicing healthy habits

• Help your child brush their teeth twice a day and floss once a day. Take them to the dentist twice a year.
• Limit screen time to 2 hours or less a day.
• Don't smoke or let others smoke around your child.
• Put your child to bed at about the same time every night.

Keeping your child safe

• Always use a car seat or booster seat. Install it in the back seat.
• Make sure your child wears a helmet if they ride a bike or scooter.
• Teach your child not to talk to strangers.
• Keep guns away from children. If you have guns, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.

Parenting your child

• Read and play games with your child often.
• Let your child help with simple chores, like making their bed.
• Praise good behavior. Don't yell or spank. Your child learns from watching and listening to you.
• Don't use food as a reward or punishment.

Getting vaccines

• Make sure your child gets all the recommended vaccines.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.