Raising Healthy Kids

Vaccines are not without risks, of course—but in general, those risks are very small. And vaccines protect children against many diseases, some of which can be disabling or even fatal. A good place to learn about the true risks and benefits of vaccines is the immunization section of the Web site of the Centers for Disease Control, cdc.gov/vaccines.

SYRACUSE, N.Y.: If my child eats only a little of his meal, am I creating a fussy eater by offering a series of other foods until he eats more, or am I a good parent for making sure my child is full?
You are absolutely a good parent for being concerned about your child's eating habits. However, you may want to alter your approach. Learning to listen to hunger cues is important for lifetime weight control. Too often, we eat for social reasons, or out of boredom, or because it's a mealtime— not because we are actually hungry. When people eat that way, the risk of becoming overweight goes way up.

Instead of offering a series of foods, offer a variety at once—always including some fruits and/or vegetables. At dinnertime, give him what you're having. Let him sample—even if he takes just one bite, that's fine. Sometimes kids need to try things 10 times before they realize they like them! When he says he's done, let him be done.

Mccarthy Is An Attending Physician At Children's Hospital In Boston And An Instructor In Pediatrics At Harvard Medical School. For More Information Go To Health.Harvard.Edu . Readers Should Consult A Medical Professional For An Accurate Diagnosis.

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