Growth and Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years
Routine Checkups
Your child needs routine yearly checkups between ages 11 and 14 years. These checkups are important to detect problems and to make sure your adolescent is growing and developing normally. The health professional will do a physical exam and ask questions about your child's social, academic, relationship, and mental health status. Any needed immunizations should also be given at this time. For more information, see the topic Immunizations or see the childhood immunization schedule
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Beginning in adolescence, most health professionals like to spend some time alone with your child during the visit. Although many state laws are vague about adolescents' and teens' rights to medical confidentiality, most health professionals will clarify expectations with you and your child. Ideally, you will all agree that anything your adolescent or teen discusses privately with the health professional will remain confidential, with few exceptions. This gives your adolescent or teen an opportunity to talk to the health professional about any issue he or she may not feel comfortable in sharing with you.
Adolescents and teens also need to have regular dental checkups and to be encouraged to brush and floss regularly. For more information about dental checkups, see the topic Basic Dental Care.
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| Author: | Amy Fackler, MA Lila Havens | Last Updated: March 22, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Louis Pellegrino, MD - Developmental Pediatrics | |
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