Most parents would agree: Raising girls and raising boys are two completely unique undertakings. When it comes to raising girls, the potentially turbulent adolescent years present particularly emotional challenges. A great resource for parents of daughters is www.girlshealth.gov, run by the Department of Health and Human Services. Full of fitness and nutrition tips for growing girls, it also offers plenty of ideas for boosting self-esteem, learning how to handle stress, and dealing with illness or disability. There are also interactive sections on bullying among girls, eating disorders and teenage dating.

But parents of sons wouldn't be completely at a loss for finding something useful here, too. The sections on drugs and alcohol, safety and planning for the future are helpful to both boys and girls. Check it out at www.girlshealth.gov.

— Washington Post

PROTECT YOUR CHILD'S EYES

SUNGLASSES SET KIDS UP FOR HEALTHIER FUTURE

How important is it for my child to wear sunglasses?

The long-term effects of excessive sunlight aren't seen early in life — they show up when people are 60 or 70 years old and experience macular degeneration or cataract issues, says Steven Schiff, an optometrist in Deer Park, N.Y.

Just as parents want to protect their children from skin cancer by putting sunscreen on them, parents should protect children's eyes by getting them in the habit of wearing sunglasses outdoors. "Some children are easier to convince than others," Schiff says. Emphasize the important of sunglasses by the time children are 5 or so, he says.

Most sunglasses labeled 100 percent UV protection, and preferably 100 percent both UVA and UVB protection, are the best bet.

One mistake parents make is having children don the shades only when they are going to the beach. If a child is outside playing sports or at a park, the eyes should be protected then as well, Schiff says.

An elastic strap that holds the glasses to the head or a looser-fitting strap that keeps the glasses around the neck when they're removed will help. Of course, a cord should not be used with a toddler's sunglasses.

— Beth Whitehouse, McClatchy-Tribune News Service