Happy & Healthy Teens

Six simple ways to help your child thrive.

- By Lisa Turner

You thought it was hard raising a toddler? Wait until you have a teen. They’re more independent, less easily persuaded, and often just as likely to have massive meltdowns. And while you’ll avoid earaches and frequent stomach bugs, teens are more susceptible to serious health issues like stress and weight gain. Help your teen thrive with these tips that address six crucial concerns.

1 Sleep

It’s one of the most critical aspects of teen health—and the most universally neglected. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends 10–12 hours a night for teens, but studies show that most kids bag a fraction of that. In a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) survey of 12,000 high school students, only 900 said they got the recommended amount of shut-eye, and 39 percent slept for only 6 hours a night or less.

Kids miss sleep because of stress, busy schedules, or late-night screen time. Over time, lack of sleep impacts immunity, weight, learning, and emotional health. Simple changes such as going to bed at the same time every night, avoiding caffeine, and minimizing pre-bed stress can help. If your teen suffers from insomnia, try gentle herbs like chamomile, passionflower, or lemon balm, or homeopathic combination sleep remedies.

2 Weight