Are you of the opinion that teaching your young child the importance of hygiene and the most difficult task? If so, then think again. Things will become even more difficult as the child grows older. Normally, you would expect your grown up child to be careful about health and hygiene.

Teenagers feel that their problems are beyond the understanding of their parents. While you may not bother about the permanently victimized look on your teenager’s face, you certainly will be bothered to find he or she has hidden health problems from you.

After spending years teaching your child about hygiene and health, you may feel it superfluous to teach the child to be frank and forthcoming about health. You may feel that this is a rather obvious corollary of all your teachings. However, a teenager undergoing physical and emotional changes due to release of hormones may not be comfortable talking about certain things to you.

There are some problems faced by young girls which their mothers can quickly solve. It is not just a question of health alone. It also question of fear of the unknown. Sadly, teens never understand this. As your child grows, you must become a friend. You must accommodate your child’s ego and self esteem. Would you be crude when talking about a private problem of your friend? Obviously not.

You will respect the fact that your friend has emotions of his or her own. You will have to adopt the same approach with your children as well. You must respect your child’s sensitivities. You must also avoid compromises on health related matters. As a parent of a teenager, you will have to strike the right balance as early as possible.

The last thing you want is for your child to face health problems in private when a quick visit to a doctor would have made a huge difference. Rather than berating your teenage child for being stupid later, you would do well to anticipate these problems and plan your efforts accordingly.