What to Expect At This Visit:
High school can be both an exciting and stressful time for your child. Peer pressure, schoolwork, and extracurricular activities can cause your child to be leading a very busy life. Visits at this time serve a number of functions: to continue to monitor your child's growth and progress, to address any concerns, and to encourage responsible decisions in your child.
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.
*Many teenagers have body issues or self esteem issues. Praise your teen on their accomplishments. Peer pressure can be very difficult to deal with as a teen. Help your child cultivate their strengths and pursue their interests.
*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 learns to drive, it is best to have a conversation with them discussing road safety. Limit the amount of night driving to prevent accidents. Additionally limit the number of teen passengers your child has while driving. Stress to your child the dangers of driving under the influence. Assure your child that if they feel unsafe to drive, they can always call for help.
*As your child becomes older, they will have questions about sex. 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.
*Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities or community service. Both help your child cultivate their interests and build responsibility.
*Discuss with your child what makes a good, safe friend. As your teen matures, they will begin to get a sense of what a true friend is and who models good behavior.
*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.
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.
*As a teen, your child's main priorities will be school, extracurriculars, and after-school jobs. Stress the importance of responsibility to your child.
*Speak to your child about plans for the future. Support their interests and plans for the future. Accompany your child on college visits.
*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:
*Continue to support your child in making healthy food choices. Teenagers are recommended to drink at least 3 cups of milk a day. Discourage excessive drinking of soda drinks.
Sleeping:
Fun & Play:
Safety:
*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.
*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.
*As your child learns to drive, it is best to have a conversation with them discussing road safety. Limit the amount of night driving to prevent accidents. Additionally limit the number of teen passengers your child has while driving. Stress to your child the dangers of driving under the influence. Assure your child that if they feel unsafe to drive, they can always call for help.
Health:
Parents & Family:
Useful Resources & Links:
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