4. Tattoos and Body Piercings
Some experts suggest that a child planning on getting a tattoo or body piercing is a warning sign of a child on the brink of trouble. If you hear that your daughter is considering body art, make sure she understands the potential risks: infections, scar tissue and draining wounds for piercings; and allergic reactions or diseases such as hepatitis and AIDS from instruments used for tattoos. Even the trendy temporary henna tattoos can result in months of pain and discomfort, and a lifelong allergy to a common chemical found in the dyes. Tongue piercing can cause swelling that closes off the airway; choking risks from loose jewelry; uncontrollable bleeding and nerve damage; or chipped or cracked teeth. If you do this, make sure the procedure is performed with sterile equipment by a certified professional whose shop is clean, much like a medical facility.

5. Adolescent Girls and the Sun
Remind your teen about the basics of protecting her skin from the sun. If she's in the sun, she should slather on at least two tablespoons of sunscreen at least every two hours. Encourage her to cover up with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with ultraviolet (UV) light protection. And if she's prone to freckles, sunburns easily or has light-colored hair or eyes, urge her to keep sun exposure at a minimum and have a health care professional examine her skin regularly. Between visits, she should examine her own skin for signs of any mole that's changed size or shape.

6. Menstrual Complaints in Teenage Girls
Your daughter isn't just trying to get out of gym class — it's common for teenage girls to have unusually severe cramps and heavy periods. Don't just write an excuse note, however. Take her to see a medical professional. If there's nothing medically wrong, your doctor or nurse practitioner can prescribe ibuprofen for the pain, or even oral contraceptives to help with cramping and heavy blood flow. Although girls generally begin menstruating between ages eight and 13, if they're not menstruating by 16, see a health professional. Also check with your health care specialist if your daughter has very heavy periods. Heavy bleeding could result in anemia, or indicate a clotting disorder like Willebrand's disease.