HOW HEALTHY IS YOUR CHILD? Get a sense with this quiz WORDS
W
hile you don’t want to leave seven messages for your child’s pediatrician at the first sign of a sniffle, you also want to make sure that you’re not overlooking anything major. So how do you know your kids are on the right track for well-being? Take our quiz—and talk to your pediatrician.
mental health _______ My child feels that he is good at things. _______ My child has friends or other solid ties in the community. _______ My child has personal interests or hobbies outside school. _______ My child’s negative emotions, like anger and sadness, appear infrequently. _______ My child tells me about positive interactions with peers. _______ My child generally responds appropriately to pressure from school (i.e., doesn’t panic, cry or get excessively angry about upcoming tests). _______ My child doesn’t excessively worry. _______ My child says positive things about their physical appearance. _______ My child comes to me when facing a problem. _______ My child treats animals kindly. _______ My child generally feels good in their body and doesn’t complain too much of aches or pains. _______ My child’s behavior and personality remain relatively constant. _______ My child can sit still and pay attention when necessary. _______ My child generally respects parental authority. _______ My partner and I refrain from arguing in front of our child. TOTAL 32
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ALEX MITCHELL MORTENSON
If your child has a score of 9 or less in this section, reach out to your pediatrician or a mental health specialist. Whatever the quiz score—if your child displays concerning behaviors or says they want to hurt themselves or others, or if your gut tells you something’s wrong, get immediate help. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHANGES Tips from Tiffany Smith, clinical director of Tiffany Smith Counseling and partner and site supervisor for Flower Mound Counseling 1. Monitor eating and sleeping “Seek help for your child if you notice a large change in appetite … if your kid starts eating much more or much less than usual,” says Smith. Excessive sleeping is also a concern. 2. Pay attention to their interests “A red flag … is your kid losing interest in something they used to love for no obvious reason,” Smith says. Be alert to sudden friendship changes or increased irritability. 3. Physical Changes Watch for weight fluctuations and signs of self-harm. “You need to question any bruises, cuts or scratches that can’t be accounted for,” Smith advises. 4. Stay up on their grades A sudden academic drop may reflect a problem. 5. Keep an eye on screen activity Kids may make cries for help through text messages and social media.
The Well Guide / dfwchild.com
LOCAL RESOURCES Alliance Child & Family Solutions Multiple locations; acfstexas.com Beckloff Pediatric Behavioral Center Dallas; drbeckloff.com Children’s Health Pediatric Psychiatry & Psychology Dallas and Plano; childrens.com Dallas CBT Dallas; dallascbt.com HOPE Child & Family Center of Texas Dallas; hopecentertx.com Jacqueline Hood, Ph.D. Plano; dallaschildpsychologist.com Metrocare Child & Adolescent Center Dallas; metrocareservices.org Therapy Dallas Dallas; therapydallas.com Tiffany Smith Counseling Flower Mound; heartyourfamily.com
nutrition _______ My child eats three meals a day, plus 2–3 snacks. _______ My child eats a breakfast that includes a lean protein every morning. _______ My child ages 4–8 eats two and a half dairy servings per day.