When Good Kids Pick Up Bad Habits

Got a kid who's turning into a picky eater -- or a couch potato, video-game addict, or schoolwork slacker -- right before your eyes? Hoping it's just a phase?

Do more than hope. "The world is full of good kids," says RealAge pediatric expert Jennifer Trachtenberg, MD, "but modern life invites unhealthy habits. At first they're easy to ignore, but too often, small choices turn into big problems down the road." So step in early. How? Start with these four steps from Dr. Jen's tip-filled new book, Good Kids, Bad Habits: The RealAge Guide to Raising Healthy Children.

Dr. Jen helps you get a handle on your kids' habits and health with four highly effective strategies:

1. Identify any trouble spots: Start by taking the RealAge Healthy Kids Test.
2. Pinpoint your parenting style: Use the Parenting Style Quiz to find out if you're a pushover or a drill sergeant.
3. Find parenting pals: Chat, vent, and share with others on the Parent Place message boards.
4. Stay on track: Keep your family happy and healthy with these checklists and charts.

For hundreds of specific tips on helping kids from 7 months to 17 years, delve into Good Kids, Bad Habits. In the words of one real-life mom, "The advice here is not gimmicky or instant-fix. It's solid, straightforward, and sane. It's also convincing." Here's a sneak peek at the table of contents:

TAKE THE TEST -- How Healthy Are Your Child's Habits?
EAT UP -- Creating Healthy Food Habits That Will Last a Lifetime
SHAPE UP -- Getting Kids to Play More than Video Games
SPIFF UP -- Convincing Kids That Being Clean -- Teeth to Toes -- Is Worth the Effort
SMARTEN UP -- Teaching Kids Good Homework Habits
CHIN UP -- Routines That Build Up Your Child's Self-Esteem
GEAR UP -- Habits That Keep Kids from Getting Hurt
CHECK UP -- Staying on Top of Your Child's Health
LIVE IT UP -- Looking Forward to a Healthy Future
BOOT UP -- Online Tools, Resources, and Inspiration to Help Your Family Grow Healthier

With the dizzying amount of child-health information out there, Dr. Jen's down-to-earth book is a lifesaver. You'll get a realistic, achievable plan for establishing good food, fitness, social, and schoolwork habits and helping your kids sustain these habits into adulthood. And it's all tailored to your child's specific needs.