What to Expect At This Visit:
At this age, there are no scheduled vaccinations.
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.
*Praise your child on their school accomplishments. Create a quiet space in the home for your child to do their homework. Praise your child's strengths, but also acknowledge their weaknesses. Work with your child to improve any weaknesses. If a tutor is needed to help with your child's schoolwork, do not let your child feel discouraged.
*Continue to promote self responsibility and also a positive self image. Your child will be influenced by their peers in school. Talk to your child about his/her friends and promote confidence and good decision making in your child.
*At this age your child may begin having early teen issues such as peer pressure, authority issue, risky behavior, and being moody. While your child may not want to come to their parents to talk, make sure your child knows that you are always there for them.
*Help promote responsibility by encouraging your child to admit when they have made a mistake and ask for forgiveness.
*Supervise activities with your child and their peers.
*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.
*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.
Feeding:
*It is recommended that children ages 9 to 18 years old drink 3 cups of milk a day. Discourage use of soda pop and juice.
*Childhood obesity is on the rise. Encourage healthy eating habits in your child. If your child is concerned about their weight, talk to your pediatrician before making any changes to your child's diet. Diets are traditionally not recommended for children. It is best to encourage heathy eating choices, such as shown in the Food Pyramid.
Sleeping:
Fun & Play:
Safety:
*Continue to explain to your child the dangers of alcohol and drug use. If you have alcohol in your home, have a discussion with your child about why it is in the home. Click here for advice from the AAP about Preventing Substance Abuse in children.
*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's body begins to change, they may ask you questions about sex. Once again, listen carefully to your child's questions. Click here for information from the American Academy of Pediatrics on when to start speaking with your children
*Talk to your child about gangs and guns on the street. Discuss to your child ways to avoid fighting and using conflict resolution to avoid violence.
*As your child begins to use the computer, talk to your child about internet danger.
Check website history and download a safety filter on your computer. Never let your child chat on the internet without asking for permission first. Explain to your child that they should never feel scared online. Remind them never to don’t give out any personal information online.
Health:
*By this age, your child should be seeing a dentist twice a year. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day and floss once.
Parents & Family:
Useful Resources & Links:
TIPP (The Injury Prevention Program) safety sheet for 10 year olds