Website maintenance is scheduled for Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19. Short disruptions will occur during these days.

brand logo

Am Fam Physician. 2025;111(1):31-36

An audio version of this AFP article is available on the AAFP audio app.

This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for CME.

Author disclosure: No relevant financial relationships.

Common early childhood concerns and behaviors include sleep issues, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, picky eating, school readiness, and oral health. Family physicians must recognize when these indicate an underlying disorder and offer constructive and evidence-based strategies to support healthy child development and family well-being. Behavioral interventions and education to address sleep issues can alleviate stress and decrease fatigue for the whole family. Thumb-sucking and pacifier use have dental and social consequences if they persist beyond 3 years of age. Eating problems in childhood are common; in most cases, reassurance and trying new foods can improve picky eating. Readiness to begin school depends on child, family, and societal factors, and needs an individualized approach that emphasizes inclusion while ensuring person-centered success. Reading and participation in early childhood educational programs improve literacy and classroom preparation. Oral health is an important part of childhood well-being; preventive care, including fluoridation, should begin when the first tooth has erupted.

During early childhood, challenges can involve a range of normal to problematic behaviors. Sleep issues, thumb-sucking, pacifier use, picky eating, and school readiness are common challenges and often resolve on their own. However, some of these issues can impact quality of life if not appropriately addressed. This article provides evidence-based interventions for family physicians to help them counsel families on common behavioral challenges and preventive care for oral health.

Already a member/subscriber?  Log In

Subscribe

From $165
  • Immediate, unlimited access to all AFP content
  • More than 130 CME credits/year
  • AAFP app access
  • Print delivery available
Subscribe

Issue Access

$59.95
  • Immediate, unlimited access to this issue's content
  • CME credits
  • AAFP app access
  • Print delivery available

Article Only

$34.95
  • Immediate, unlimited access to just this article
  • CME credits
  • AAFP app access
  • Print delivery available
Purchase Access:  Learn More

Continue Reading

More in AFP

Copyright © 2025 by the American Academy of Family Physicians.

This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP.  See permissions for copyright questions and/or permission requests.