These Are the Only “Rules” You’ll Need for Raising Happy Kids

By Orgesta Tolaj

26 March 2024

Raising happy and healthy kids is every parent’s goal. But with so much conflicting advice, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of what to do. What if there was a simpler way to ensure your children’s happiness and well-being? Parenting can be a daunting task, with parents constantly bombarded with tips, tricks, and advice on how to raise their kids. However, the truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to parenting. Each child is different and requires unique care and attention. But, some general rules for raising happy kids might help you out!

5 Pediatrician “Non-negotiable” Rules for Raising Kids Properly

TODAY and Dr. Sami, recently conducted an interview on what it truly takes to raise kids properly. These are some of the non-negotiable rules she has mentioned:

1. Put Helmets On Your Children

Sami stresses the importance of wearing helmets as another crucial measure to ensure children’s safety and prevent serious outcomes. Children’s larger heads in proportion to their bodies make them more susceptible to head injuries from falls. These injuries can range from lacerations to concussions and even skull fractures or brain damage.

While helmets cannot guarantee complete protection against concussions, consistent and proper helmet use can significantly reduce the risk of severe head or brain injuries, according to the CDC. Sami advises that children should always wear helmets when engaging in wheel-related activities, such as riding bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, or skateboards.

2. Look Out for Drowning Risks

Drowning is a significant cause of death among children aged 1 to 4 in the U.S., according to the CDC. However, many of these incidents can be prevented. Sami emphasizes the importance of water safety education and early swimming lessons for children. Even after learning to swim, children must follow specific safety rules. Drowning can occur rapidly and silently, so children should never be left unattended in or near water. Close supervision by a lifeguard, parent, or designated water-watcher is essential to prevent accidents.

3. Vaccinate Your Kids

Vaccination is emphasized as the foremost non-negotiable measure for ensuring children’s safety, according to Sami. Highlighting the critical role of vaccines in extending children’s lives, Sami stresses their effectiveness in preventing various diseases, as supported by the CDC. Vaccines are recommended universally, tailored to prevalent risks in specific regions, and undergo thorough trials to ensure safety and efficacy.

The CDC advises vaccinations from birth through adolescence, with many schools mandating them. Sami underscores the importance of staying current with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters. Additionally, vaccination safeguards individual children and fosters community immunity, protecting even the most vulnerable members.

4. Prioritize Car Safety

Sami emphasizes the importance of car safety, as motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. Children must ride in the backseat with appropriate restraints, such as car seats, boosters, or seatbelts, based on their age, height, and weight. Following the latest guidelines from the AAP:

Children should remain in rear-facing car seats for as long as possible.
After outgrowing rear-facing seats, they should transition to forward-facing car seats until at least 4 years old.
Once they outgrow forward-facing seats, children should use belt-positioning booster seats until at least 8 years old.
After outgrowing booster seats, they should use lap and shoulder seat belts.

Additionally, the CDC advises against children sitting in the front passenger seat of the car until they are at least 13 years old. These measures significantly reduce the risk of serious injury and death for both children and adults during car rides.

Sami highlights the practice of bed-sharing, where parents and babies sleep in the same bed, couch, or chair. Despite being a traditional practice, it’s cautioned against due to increased risks. Infants sleeping on adult mattresses can face higher risks of asphyxiation, suffocation, and premature death. The American Academy of Pediatrics reports approximately 3,500 sleep-related infant deaths annually in the United States, emphasizing the importance of safe sleep practices.