Nutrition

Healthy eating gives adolescents energy and they grow from it. By themselves, adolescents usually eat a lot, but not always healthy. Health make sure your child does not eat too many unhealthy snacks. Many adolescents get too fat as a result. They also contain a lot of bad fats, salt and sugars. For tips on healthy eating, visit the website Opvoeden and the website of the Voedingscentrum. This also lists what you can do if your child is overweight. Is your adolescent way overweight? Then contact your family doctor or the GGD. Your child may then see a dietician.

Eating Problem

Many adolescents consider themselves too fat. Some adolescents then start dieting in the wrong way. If your child is dieting when they are not fat or even skinny, or if you notice them vomiting on purpose, it is a good idea to seek help right away. Make an appointment with your family doctor or the public health department. They can refer your child to appropriate help. Your child herself can visit the website Proud2Bme. On this website you can find everything about eating problems, anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, healthy eating, lifestyle and especially about accepting yourself as you are.





 

Raising

The brain of adolescents (the "adolescent brain") develops abundantly during puberty. The development of their brains also largely determines adolescents' thinking and behavior. Sometimes you can just talk to them, other times they don't want to listen. There also comes a time when they don't yet think sensibly before doing anything. They do take risks. They usually don't see the consequences of this behavior. Adolescents are also always looking for boundaries. They want to discover if they can go beyond those limits.

As a parent, raising an adolescent can be quite difficult. Nevertheless, you can help your child. For example, by explaining the consequences of behavior. Or by reminding your child of his and your limits. You can also help your child with planning for assignments at school and learning for a test. Want to know more about the adolescent brain and adolescent development? Then check out the website Opvoeden. Together with other organizations, the CMD provides courses, workshops and trainings on parenting.

A sick adolescent

Is your child sick? Check the website Dokterdokter for which complaints you call the family doctor. Information and advice on illnesses is also on Thuisarts and the GGD website .

Does your child remain ill? Are you in doubt? Then see your family doctor. Do you have general questions about illnesses and ailments, or does something often bother your child? Discuss this with your doctor as well.

Gloomy/psychic problems

 

Is your child gloomy for a long time? Perhaps it has depression. Or other psychological problems are at play. Make an appointment with the family doctor; he or she can refer your child if help is needed. The website Grip op je Dip offers tips on dealing with a depressed child. There is also an online group course on the website that can help with symptoms of depression.



 

Dealing with money

Money can only be spent once. So your child should learn to think before buying something. If children learn to manage money well, they will benefit from it for the rest of their lives. Most children receive pocket money. You can also give your child clothing money, or they can earn money with a side job. This helps them learn to save. Make good agreements about this. Want tips? Check the Nibud website . Nibud also has a site with information for children: Nibud for Scholars.




 

Body, relationships and sexuality

At puberty, your child may have questions about love and sexuality, or be unsure about them. Do you find it difficult to talk about this? Explore the Sense website with your adolescent.

Want to talk to your child about the risks of sex? You can read all about safe sex on the websites of SOA Aids Netherlands and the GGD. There are also tips on how to talk to your child about safe sex, love and sex.

Bi-/homosexuality

At puberty, your child is developing sexually. Some children discover that they are attracted to young people of the same sex. Or both (bi-sexuality). On the website Everyone is different you will find information and tips about 'being different'. With stories of experience.

Website Everyone is different

Calling/chatting with questions

Your child can talk about it at school. For example, with the mentor or a teacher. Sometimes children prefer not to ask questions at home about their bodies, for example. Children and adolescents up to the age of 18 can then call the Child Phone or The Listening Line.

Call the Children's Phone: 0800 0432

Call the Listening Line: 0900 9767




 

Alcohol, smoking and drugs

Children in adolescence are curious and experiment in abundance. For example, with alcohol, smoking or drugs. Read more on the website Parenting. It is important to talk to your child about this. Explain the dangers and try to set a good example yourself. For example, don't smoke near your child. More information about smoking, drugs and alcohol can be found on the websites Opvoeden, Nix18, Smoking, Alcohol and Drugsinfo.nl of the Trimbos Institute.

If a child drinks alcohol or uses ("blows") drugs once, it is not immediately a reason to worry. Young people often find it interesting and exciting to try. There is reason to be concerned if, for example, your child is behaving very differently, is anxious or depressed, has trouble sleeping or is doing worse at school or work. Is it getting out of hand? Contact your family doctor or the GGD. They can work with you to see what is needed and refer your child to proper help.                      

Safety

Want to learn more about traffic safety? Or do you have questions about going out safely? Check out the Raising Up website .

Sports

Sufficient exercise is good for your child's health and development. Children love to climb, run and explore. Exercise is good for your child's weight and fitness. If your child is in good shape (feeling good) they are less likely to get sick. Playing outside, biking to school and walking are good ways to get more exercise. Outdoor air is healthy, too!

You can get your child more active by letting him do a sport, for example. It will also get to know other children. Sports clubs can be found in the digital municipal guide. Does your child have a disability? Check out the website Uniek sporten.

No money to play sports

 

Does your child want to play sports but there is no money? You may be entitled to the Youth Sports Fund and Youth Culture Fund Scheme. This gives children between 4 and 18 years the opportunity to participate in a sport and/or cultural activity. More information can be found at Minimaregelingen.