Life with Growing Kids
As children grow and develop, they become more independent and are exposed to a variety of new surroundings. Here are a few tips to help keep children healthy and safe.
Overview
+ Caring for Kids Responsibly
Supervising Children & Substance Use
If you use alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medication, ensure your children always have a safe and responsible caregiver. A person may be too drunk, high or medicated to be able to safely care for and supervise children, or respond effectively in a crisis.
- Practice Safe Storage – All alcohol, tobacco, marijuana, medications, drugs and hazardous household chemicals (including detergent pods) should be stored in their original packaging and in a locked cabinet, out of sight and out of reach of children. In the event of accidental ingestion of any substance or hazardous chemical contact poison control immediately (1-800-222-1222) or call 911.
- Cars & Driving – Do not drive while impaired, and do not let your child ride in a car with anyone who is impaired. Alcohol, drugs, medication, sleep deprivation, and medical issues can all impair one’s ability to drive safely.
- Know the Risks – Engaging in illegal activities, using street drugs, or abusing legal substances puts your child at additional risk.
Find Trustworthy Caregivers
Make sure that anyone caring for your children:
- Interacts with them, providing developmentally appropriate care and supervision
- Is prepared to respond effectively in any crisis
- Is knowledgeable about key aspects of child care for your kid's age.
Whether you're looking for a regular child care provider or someone to help out here and there, here are some good questions to ask to make sure your child will be safe and well cared for in your absence. Consider maturity and development level when leaving your children in the care of siblings, relatives, friends, and babysitters.
+ Tips for Raising Healthy Kids
Below are key ways to ensure your kids' healthy development:
- Show Your Love – Love and nurturing is a critical part of bonding and brain development. Take a little extra time every day to connect and engage with your children-snuggle, sing, talk, smile, read, love.
- Stay Up to Date on Parenting & Child Development – Parenting is part natural and part learned. Talk to friends, family, and your child’s pediatrician about your child’s growth and development. Take a class or read about raising children and what they can do at different ages.
- Talk to Your Kids – Teach children about general safety, hazards, and things to avoid in your home and when they are at school, religious and extra-curricular activities, as well as in friends’, relatives’, and neighbors’ homes. Make sure children know how to call for help and what to do in case of a fire or other emergency.
- Have "the Conversation" – Don’t be afraid to to talk to your children about difficult subjects – substance use, interpersonal relationships, sexual exploration, online activity, bullying, body awareness and safety. It may seem like your child is too young, but most children start to hear about all of these things in elementary school.
- Be an Askable Parent – Make sure you are open and available for your children when they are ready to talk or ask questions. Watch for teachable moments.
- Promote Stability – Provide consistent routines around meals, naps, and bedtimes. Teach your children about feelings, model expected behavior, and help them learn problem solving skills.
+ Self-Care & Support
- Take Care of Yourself – Reenergize yourself, whatever that means to you-walk, dance, laugh, exercise, take a bath, read, manage stress, share your feelings, spend time with friends and family. If you use alcohol, marijuana, or prescription medication, ensure your children always have a safe and responsible caregiver.
- Build a Support System – Surround yourself with people that help out and provide emotional support on a daily basis and in times of need. Join a playgroup, support group or faith community. Get involved in your neighborhood, community or school.
+ Information & Resources
American Academy of Pediatrics - Information and advice for raising kids ages 5-12 years old.
Children's Hospital Colorado - Tips for talking to your kids about marijuana.
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids - Resources for families struggling with their child's substance abuse.
Safe Kids Worldwide - Safety information for kids ages 5-9.
Safe Kids Worldwide - Safety information for kids ages 10-14.
Ask for Help
Feeling overwhelmed? Worried about your child’s health, development, or behavior? Don’t be afraid to call your child’s health care provider or ask for help.
Call 1-800-CHILDREN (244-5373) or 1-866-LAS-FAMILIAS (527-3264) for free, confidential help finding drug treatment, parenting support, medical care, social and family service agencies, and many other resources. Learn more.
Related Topics
Substance Use & Growing Kids
Click on a substance to learn more.