What to Expect At This Visit:
At 11-12 years old, your child will receive the following vaccines:
Meningococcal vaccine, Tdap (Tetanus booster, diphtheria, & pertussis), and Gardasil (HPV vaccine).
Click here for the American Academy of Pediatrics Immunization Schedule.
Vaccine Information: The American Academy of Pediatrics
Development:
Note: Please know that the development of each child is unique and special. The following information on development is general and meant for informational purposes only. If you are concerned about the development of your child, please let your pediatrician know.
*Encourage your child to learn new skills like CPR, art, or drama. This will help build confidence and a positive self image.
*Brainstorm with your child ways to de-stress when they feel overwhelmed.
*Depression can occur in teenagers and may begin showing signs before teenage years. Create a safe environment for your child to speak with you if they are feeling depressed or suicidal. Listen to your child's feelings and try not to pass judgment. For more information on Teen Suicide, click here for information from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry.
*As your child grows, they will begin to need deodorant. They may also begin to have oily skin. Explain to your child their changing body and assure them that it is normal and natural.
* For girls, the first signs of puberty will be breast development. It is not uncommon for breasts to be unequal sizes at first. Reassure your daughter that this is natural. After breast development, your daughter will begin to have hair growth in her armpits and pubic area. Then a growth spurt will occur. Your daughter's first period is usually occur between 10-13 years old, but can occur before that. Explain to your daughter what a period is and explain to her that at first her periods may be unsteady and irregular for up to the first year.
* For boys, the first sign of puberty is enlargement of the testicles. Then hair growth will occur in your son followed by penile growth. Your son's growth spurt will then occur, followed by voice deepening. Explain your son what a "wet dream" is. Continue to assure your son that this is a normal and natural process.
*Know where your child spends time outside of the home. Know who your child's friends are. Set firm family rules on curfews, whose cars they are allowed to ride in, and where they can go afterschool. Support your child's interests and encourage them to participate in extracurricular activities.
*If you have alcohol or prescription medications in your home, lock them in liquor cabinets and medicine cabinets. Use of prescription medications as a mean of substance abuse is becoming more popular in schools. If there is a history of addiction in your family, now is a good time to speak with your child about substance abuse and addiction. Click here for advice from the AAP about Preventing Substance Abuse in children.
*Continue to provide a trusting environment where your child can ask about sex. Promote abstinence, but also discuss the risks of pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs). Also explain to your child that intercourse also includes oral sex and anal sex. Many teens are misinformed and think that oral sex is more safe and does not have its risks. Click here for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics on when to start speaking with your children about sex.
*While your child cannot drive a car yet, also remind them that children less than sixteen years cannot ride ATVs.
*Before your child begins to date, it is important to have a conversation with your child about the dangers of date rape. Help your child understand that "No always means no."
Create with child a “getaway plan” when they feel unsafe. Let your child know that they can always call you if they feel scared and you will come get them, no questions asked.
*Discuss with your child how to avoid fights, using their words to resolve conflicts.
*School can be very stressful for children. Often they may not admit to stress, but complain of headaches or stomachaches. Help brainstorm with your child ideas for them to relieve stress when they feel overwhelmed. Click here for AAP's article on stress relief for children.
Daily Life:
Feeding:
Sleeping:
Fun & Play:
*Promote physical activity in your child. It is recommended that children get 60 minutes of active play a day.
Safety:
Health:
Parents & Family:
Useful Resources & Links:
American Academy of Pediatrics' Information on Riding in the Backseat for older children
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Physical Activity information
Safety Net: AAP Site on Internet Safety for Children
AAP: Talking to Kids & Teens about Social Media & Sexting
AAP: Talking to your child about Puberty.