Bright Futures Parent Handout: 7 and 8 Year Visits

Growth & Development

Here are some suggestions from Bright Futures experts that may be of value to your family

Your child should always ride in the back seat and use a booster seat until the vehicle’s lap and shoulder belt fit.
Teach your child to swim and watch her in the water.
Use sunscreen when outside.
Provide a good-fitting helmet and safety gear for biking, skating, in-line skating, skiing, snowboarding, and horseback riding.
Keep your house and cars smoke free.
Never have a gun in the home. If you must have a gun, store it unloaded and locked with the ammunition locked separately from the gun.
Watch your child’s computer use.
- Know who she talks to online.
- Install a safety filter.
Know your child’s friends and their families.
Teach your child plans for emergencies such as a fire.
- Teach your child how and when to dial 911.
Teach your child how to be safe with other adults.
No one should ask for a secret to be kept from parents.
No one should ask to see private parts.
No adult should ask for help with his private parts.

Give your child chores to do and expect them to be done.
Hug, praise, and take pride in your child for good behavior and doing well in school.
Be a good role model.
Don’t hit or allow others to hit.
Help your child to do things for himself.
Teach your child to help others.
Discuss rules and consequences with your child.
Be aware of puberty and body changes in your child.
Answer your child’s questions simply.
Talk about what worries your child.

Attend back-to-school night, parent-teacher events, and as many other school events as possible.
Talk with your child and child’s teacher about bullies.
Talk to your child’s teacher if you think your child might need extra help or tutoring.
Your child’s teacher can help with evaluations for special help, if your child is not doing well.

Help your child brush teeth twice a day.
- After breakfast
- Before bed
Use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste with fluoride.
Help your child floss her teeth once a day.
Your child should visit the dentist at least twice a year.
Encourage your child to always wear a mouth guard to protect teeth while playing sports.