Helping Teens Build Healthy Habits 

A balanced diet is the foundation of good teen health. That means three wholesome meals a day, and nutritious snacks in between. To get there, fill your kitchen with washed fruits and vegetables, cheese sticks, or single-serving packs of yogurt and nuts. Having healthy options within easy reach guides teens toward a healthier life. 

Check out the list below for more teen nutrition resources: 

• MyPlate
• Healthy Eating (from nutrition.gov)
• Healthy Eating 
• Healthy Attitudes Toward Food and Exercise
• Weight Management
   

Most teens don’t drink enough water. Without enough water, their brains and their bodies aren’t working as well as they could. They might also have low energy, or trouble maintaining a healthy weight. Just like nutrition (above), drinking enough water is key to overall health. 

Learn more about adequate hydration and making healthy beverage choices: 

• Hydrate Right
• Water, Hydration, and Health
  

There are lots of benefits to physical activity. For teens (as well as adults), physical activity brings stress relief, disease prevention, energy boosts and better sleep. It can also be serious fun for teens who find an activity they like. 

The resources below will help you find ways to get your teen involved in sports or exercise: 

• Tools for Getting and Staying Active
• How Much Physical Activity Do Children Need?
• Physical Activity for Children and Teens
• Fitness: Getting and Staying Active

Teens need about nine hours of sleep per night. Getting those hours helps with performance in school and sports, and makes a big impact on physical and emotional health. 

If your teen isn’t sleeping enough, the resources below can help you encourage them get the shuteye they need: 

• Teenagers and Sleep: How Much Is Enough?
• Sleep and Teens
• Teenage Sleep Patterns
• Sleep: Helping Your Children–and Yourself–Sleep Well 

Stress is a fact of life for teens. And while they may seem emotional at times, teens can learn to manage stress in healthy ways. Here are some resources to help you help them. 

• How to Help Children and Teens Manage Their Stress
• Stress Management: Helping Your Child With Stress

If your child is struggling, you may want to speak with a behavioral health professional. You may also want to speak with your child’s primary care doctor (though you don’t need a referral from them to see a behavioral health professional). For help finding a qualified in-network behavioral health professional, use our Find a Doctor tool. 

Below are additional resources on various topics that may impact your teen, from annual check-ups and development to safe driving: 

• Adolescent Development
• Body Image and Young Women
• Depression in Children and Teens
• Helping Your Teen Become a Safe Driver  
• The Importance of Annual Well-Child Visits
• Intervention Strategies for Concerned Parents
• Teen Health
• Teen Relationship Abuse
• Teen Smokers: Reasons to Quit
• Tips for Parents of Teens