Many parents are keenly interested in the basic academic education of their youngsters—reading, writing, and arithmetic—but are not nearly as conscientious in finding out about the other learning that goes on in the classroom. A comprehensive health education program is an important part of the curriculum in most school districts. Starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school, it provides an introduction to the human body and to factors that prevent illness and promote or damage health.
The middle years of childhood are extremely sensitive times for a number of health issues, especially when it comes to adopting health behavior that can have lifelong consequences.
It is easy to underestimate the importance of this health education for your child. Before long he will be approaching puberty and adolescence and facing many choices about his behavior that, if he chooses inappropriately, could impair his health and even lead to his death. These choices revolve around alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use; sexual behavior ; driving; risk-taking behavior; and stress management.
Health education programs are most effective if parents are involved. Parents can complement and reinforce what children are learning in school during conversations and activities at home. The schools can provide basic information about implementing healthy decisions—for instance, how and why to say no to alcohol use. But you should be a co-educator, particularly in those areas where family values are especially important—for example, sexuality, AIDS prevention, and tobacco, alcohol, and other drug use.
Many parents feel ill-equipped to talk to their child about puberty, reproduction, sex, and sexually transmitted diseases. But you need to recognize just how important your role is. With sexual topics—as well as with many other areas of health—you can build on the general information taught at school and, in a dialogue with your youngster, put it into a moral context. Remember, you are the expert on your child, your family, and your family’s values.
Education seminars and education support groups for parents on issues of health and parenting may be part of the health promotion program at your school. If they are not offered, you should encourage their development. Many parents find it valuable to discuss mutual problems and share solutions with other parents. Although some parents have difficulty attending evening meetings, school districts are finding other ways to reach out to parents—for instance, through educational TV broadcasts with call-in capacities, Saturday morning breakfast meetings, and activities for parents and children together, organized to promote good health (a walk/run, a dance, a heart-healthy luncheon).
In addition to providing education at home on health matters, become an advocate in your school district for appropriate classroom education about puberty, reproduction, AIDS, alcohol and other substance abuse, and other relevant issues. The content of health education programs is often decided at the community level, so make your voice heard.
By: EUNICE L. CERUDO
