A child’s 3rd grade teacher informs the parents, “Your child’s handwriting is quite poor. It is important that your child practice skills that might improve the handwriting.” Which of the following activities could the parents encourage the child to perform? Select all that apply

Injury prevention and disease prevention are both important components of well-child care. Nurses must assess behaviors that could lead to cumulative health risks, such as sun exposure, and provide anticipatory guidance to promote long-term wellness. Proper protective behaviors reduce risk for both accidental injuries and preventable diseases such as skin cancer.

Rationale for correct answer:

1. Applying sunscreen every 4 hours is inadequate protection during prolonged sun exposure. The child and parents should be educated on applying broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen at least every 2 hours and after water exposure. Early education supports lifelong skin health and reduces the risk of melanoma and sun damage.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

2. Sitting in the backseat in a car restraint system is an appropriate safety measure for an 11-year-old and does not indicate the need for additional education at this time.

3. Wearing proper body and head protection while rollerblading is a positive safety behavior, indicating that no immediate safety intervention is necessary.

4. Using 2 oven mitts and being assisted by a parent during oven use demonstrates adequate supervision and precaution, which is developmentally appropriate and safe.

Take home points

• Disease prevention education should be provided when current practices are insufficient or incomplete, even if partially protective.
• Sun safety is a key area of education during well-child visits due to the cumulative effects of UV exposure.
• Reinforce protective behaviors (helmets, seat belts, adult supervision) and correct any gaps in disease prevention practices.
• Nurses should use well-child visits to guide families toward evidence-based safety and prevention behaviors.

Healthy weight management in school-age children involves the entire family, structured routines, regular physical activity, and age-appropriate involvement in lifestyle changes. Encouraging healthy behaviors, not restrictive diets, is the goal.

Rationale for correct answers:

2. Role modeling by family: Children learn by example. When family members eat nutritious meals, exercise, and avoid sedentary behaviors, children are more likely to adopt those habits too.
3. Becoming active in sports: Regular physical activity helps increase energy expenditure, improve mood, and support weight management in a fun and social environment.
5. Involving child in meal planning and grocery shopping: Engaging children in decisions about food empowers them, builds nutrition knowledge, and encourages healthier choices.

Rationale for incorrect answers:

1. Unlimited computer and TV time: Sedentary behavior contributes to weight gain and should be limited. Screen time should be no more than 1–2 hours per day for school-age children.
4. Eating unstructured meals: Lack of meal structure can lead to overeating, snacking on unhealthy foods, and poor portion control. Regular, planned meals support better nutrition.
6. Drinking three glasses of water per day: While hydration is important, three glasses may be insufficient for a child, and water alone will not significantly impact weight loss without lifestyle changes.

Take home points

• Family involvement and healthy role modeling are essential to successful weight management in children.
• Physical activity should be fun and age-appropriate, team sports, biking, or active play are great options.
• Involving the child in meal planning and food selection builds lifelong healthy habits.
• Limit screen time, encourage structured meals, and ensure adequate hydration and nutrition rather than focusing on restriction.