Articles - Your Well Child

Introduction

1.

The child at this age can communicate clearly with the pediatrician.

2.

Many children at this age have reached early adolescence and they may have questions that need straightforward, honest answers such as questions about sexuality, menstruation or nocturnal emissions (wet dreams).

3.

This is a good opportunity for the parent to review how to handle these questions or if they are uncomfortable to ask the pediatrician to speak to the child.

4.

A private time between the pediatrician and child may be helpful.

5.

This checkup is also a time to review vaccinations, check growth and development, review diet, discipline, and safety, and perform a physical examination and answer any questions.