Useful information for children

Health

Looking after your child’s teeth

It is important to look after your teeth and gums.

To look after your teeth and gums, you should:

• clean your teeth twice a day, in the morning and before bed
• check with your parent or carer if you have a dentist
• visit the dentist every 6 months with your parent or carer
• drink more water and eat more fruit and vegetables

Learn about dental hygiene for reception age children on YouTube.

If your child needs dental help, please use NHS find a dentist.

Sleep

A good night’s sleep is important for your growth and development. When you sleep well, you can:

• learn better at school
• concentrate more
• feel healthier
• be less likely to catch common illnesses

Learn more about sleep by going to the sleep charity.

Handwashing

Washing your hands is the best and easiest way to protect yourself and others from illnesses, like stomach bugs and colds. Most common illnesses spread because people don’t wash their hands.

Learn how to wash your hands on YouTube.

Emotions

Behaviour

There are many reasons why young children may display challenging behaviour. If it causes distress to you or your child, or upsets the family, it’s important to address it.

Speak to your child’s class teacher or a member of the young people’s health and wellbeing (Zone 5 to 19) team for advice and support.

Top tips for challenging behaviour:

• be consistent
• try not to overact
• talk to your child
• be positive about the good things
• offer rewards
• do not give in

Find out about dealing with child behaviour problems.

Worry

When children are worried, it can be hard for them to express how they feel. A change in behaviour might be their way of showing something is wrong or that they aren’t happy. As a parent or carer, it can be difficult to understand what’s happening and how to respond.

What are the signs?

Here are some of the signs of worry:

• changes to appetite or sleep pattern
• more clingy, tearful or irritable
• more frequent visits to the toilet
• feeling unwell or having tummy ache more often
• lots of negative thoughts and worrying more often
• difficulty concentrating
• having bad dreams and or wetting the bed

Ways to help your child

• Ask your child how they are feeling, allow your child to ask questions and listen to their worries.
• Keep routine and structure to your child’s day as much as possible to help them feel safe.
• Ask for support.

Learn more about supporting your child’s feelings.

Plan your journey

If you use public transport, the Traveline journey planner provides information about what services and times are available.

Page last reviewed: June 23, 2025
Next review due: June 23, 2026