Baby Health

As a global public health recommendation, the World Health Organization recommends that infants should be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life to achieve optimal growth, development and health. Six month old infants are physiologically and developmentally ready for new foods, textures and modes of feeding. Experts advising the World Health Assembly have provided evidence that introducing solids earlier than six months increases babies' chances of illness, without improving growth.

One of the health concerns associated with the introduction of solid foods before six months is iron deficiency. The early introduction of complementary foods may satisfy the hunger of the infant, resulting in less frequent breastfeeding and ultimately less milk production in the mother. Because iron absorption from human milk is depressed when the milk is in contact with other foods in the proximal small bowel, early use of complementary foods may increase the risk of iron depletion and anemia.

Surviving the Teen Years The teen years can be one of the most trying times for you and your budding young adults. These are important transitional years as your child moves from adolescence to adulthood, and your role in his life at this time cannot be minimized. As he finds his place in this world, you may feel like the last person he turns to for advice.

Get to know your teen—his interests, friends and activities. Creating an environment and open line of communication can make this time less stressful for both of you. Let him know it’s safe to talk to you about difficult subjects like sex, drugs or peer pressure. If he doesn’t feel comfortable discussing these issues with you, offer another adult or older peer to serve as a role model.

The most important thing to remember when talking about difficult subjects is to build an ongoing dialogue. As your children grow up, they will need more and more information, so start early and build on the conversation as your teen matures. Remember, anger won’t get you anywhere in this conversation. Stay as calm as possible.

Be kind, simple, and direct in your statements to your teen. Know that you are doing the right thing for your teen. The following are a list of simple tips to improve or facilitate communication with your teen.

Start an Open Door Policy · Your teenager may not feel comfortable telling you when he is in trouble. Let him know your door is always open to talk, even if he’s done something he thinks might upset you. Relate, Relate, Relate · Remember when you were a teen? Your child probably does not think of you as ever having been his age. Tell stories and share experiences from when you were a teen. He may learn from your past and look at you in a whole new light.

Admit When You’re Wrong · Even parents make mistakes. By admitting that you are wrong, you can teach your teen about forgiveness, compassion and understanding.

Get Creative · If your teen doesn’t like a decision you make or is angry with you, tell him to write you an e-mail or letter. Sometimes it’s easier to get feelings down on paper about things he may not feel comfortable talking to you about.

Spend Quality Time · Ask your teen what they want to do. Spend time with him doing what he enjoys.

Choose Your Battles · Going to a concert alone may not be negotiable. But next time he decides to wear green socks to school, take a step back and decide if it’s really worth arguing over.

Remember What’s Important · Tell your teen you love him. Even though he may not reciprocate right now, say it often.