Healthy Superheroes
Bring out a child's inner superhero with these Super Healthy Bracelets.
- In advance, print a copy of the Super Healthy Heroes bracelets for each participant. (You might also invite nurses, doctors, or dental professionals to the workshop to answer parents’ questions.) At the workshop, help families brainstorm a list of important everyday routines for children that help them (and grown-ups!) stay healthy, like washing hands, brushing teeth, eating fruits and vegetables, and exercising. Then:
- Have participants act out handwashing steps in a way that they can later show to kids. Make sure to include washing the fronts and backs of hands, in between fingers, and around fingernails. Kids should wash their hands for as long as it takes to sing the whole alphabet song!
- Review the importance of good teeth-brushing habits: going in circles, brushing the front and back of all teeth, and brushing for about two minutes at least twice a day. Remind parents to help younger kids brush.
- Next, talk with families about “every so often” routines, like visiting the doctor and dentist to help kids stay healthy. Point out that by doing so, parents are building a team that tracks and nurtures kids’ growth. Encourage parents to make well visits for themselves, too—they will be showing kids that that it’s important to take care of your health.
- Hand out the Super Healthy Heroes bracelets and help parents brainstorm times that they might give them to kids. For example, a parent might give one after a child brushes twice a day for a week. Let parents know that their encouragement will help kids turn their healthy actions into habits.
Visiting the Doctor: Helping Kids Grow Up Strong & Healthy
Preparation and communication help you get the best care for your child at every medical visit.
My Whole Healthy Life: Meet Reignen
A video about the different ways a Native American child and his family stay healthy.
My Whole Healthy Life: Meet Wa.Sta.Tse
A video about the different ways a Native American child and her family stay healthy.
Connecting & Communicating
Communication and connection with families is key to building a strong, effective healthy team.
Communicating at Doctor’s Visits
Good communication leads to good care for your child.
Elmo and Abby’s Check-up Play Date
Pretend play can help children “rehearse” situations that may frighten them.
Rosita’s Favorite
Regular check-ups can be a fun and informative experience for the whole healthy team, kids included!
