Your 12-year-old's Well-Child Visit: Shall we talk about this?

Your child is turning 12, which is a very important time in their life. At this age, their body and their way of thinking are going through big changes. So, the medical check-up done at this time, called the ``Well-Child Visit'', is very important. Let's see what happens when you see the doctor at this time, and what you need to prepare for.

How does the doctor examine your child?

First, when you go to see the doctor, they will look at a few things to get a rough idea of ​​the child's health.

1. Checking height, weight, and growth: The doctor or nurse will measure your child's height and weight and calculate their BMI, or body mass index. They will then plot these measurements on their growth chart to see if the child's growth is on track for their age and whether there is any difference from the previous year. This will also give you an idea of ​​the child's nutritional status.

2. Blood pressure, vision, and hearing are checked: The baby's blood pressure is checked using standard equipment. Also, the baby's vision is checked. Sometimes the baby's hearing can also be checked at this time. These are very simple tests, so there is nothing to worry about.

3. Mental health is also being looked at: Children at this age can experience various mental stresses. Therefore, the doctor may also do a short test to see if the child is feeling sad, anxious, or has symptoms of depression. This may be something like a questionnaire.

Things the doctor will discuss with you and your child

Next, the doctor will ask you and your child a lot about their daily lives and habits. This is a great time to ask any questions you may have and get advice.

How do you take care of your food and drink?

This is the age when children should start choosing what foods are good for them . The doctor will talk to you about this.

• Your child's diet should include good sources of protein (such as fish, chicken, eggs, and chickpeas), whole grains (brown rice, atta flour, oats), fruits, and vegetables .
• Also, your child should get about 3 cups (720 ml) of low-fat milk or dairy products (e.g. yogurt, skim milk) per day.
• Encourage your child to eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. The more colorful the fruits and vegetables, the better.
• Drinking water is also very important. Get your child used to drinking water instead of sugary drinks.

How important is sleep?

A child this age needs between 9 and 12 hours of good sleep per night .

• If you don't get enough sleep , it's hard to focus on schoolwork and you feel tired all day.
• Therefore, it is a good idea to establish a regular bedtime routine for your child. It is a good idea to establish a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading a book before bed.
• The most important thing is to avoid keeping electronic devices like TVs, computers, tablets, and phones in your child's bedroom. The light from them disrupts sleep.

Child's activities and exercises

A child this age should be active for at least 60 minutes a day . That means playing, running, and jumping.

• Screen time (`screen time`) should definitely be limited . Set a rule about how many hours per day you can spend on it.

The child's physical and mental development

Twelve years is a time when a child undergoes many changes, both physically and mentally. The doctor talks about this as well.

• Puberty signs: Many children begin to show signs of puberty at this age.
• Puberty in girls usually begins between the ages of 8 and 13. Breast development and pubic hair begin first. The first menstrual period, or menarche, usually occurs about 2 years after breast development begins.
• The first sign of puberty in boys is testicular enlargement . This usually starts around age 11, but can sometimes start as early as age 9 or as late as age 15. It is then that the penis begins to lengthen and pubic hair begins to grow.
• Oily skin and acne: It is common for skin to become oily and acne to appear at this age due to hormonal changes.
• Think less about the consequences of their actions: Sometimes children this age may not be able to think as deeply as adults about what will happen after something they do.
• Interest in working alone and joining friends: They are gradually becoming more independent and are very interested in joining their group of friends.
• They start to think more about their appearance and behavior: "How do I appear to others?" "Is my behavior okay?"
• There may be a temptation to engage in risky behaviors: This is a time to try new things, and sometimes even take on a bit of a risk.

After the doctor has spoken to you, you can ask for some time alone with your child to discuss any other questions or concerns your child may have (perhaps things that are difficult to ask in front of you). This is a good opportunity for your child to talk about their problems freely.

How is the physical exam performed?

After the conversation, the doctor examines the child.

• At this time, the child's skin, heart, and lungs are listened to, curvature of the spine is checked, and signs of puberty are checked.
• It is important to have a parent, guardian, or other appropriate person (a `chaperone`) present during this test. To give the child privacy, it is best if other siblings are in the waiting room during this time.

Remember about vaccines too.

There are vaccines that need to be given to children even at this age.

• Vaccines protect children from serious diseases, so it is very important to get them on time .
• Vaccination schedules may vary slightly from doctor to doctor, so talk to your doctor to find out exactly what vaccines should be given at this age.

Other tests may be done

Depending on the child's health condition, the doctor may order some other tests.

• For example, tests can be ordered to check for conditions such as anemia, high cholesterol, and tuberculosis.

Things you should take care of until your next checkup (13 years)

After this checkup is over, there are a few things you need to be careful about until your child turns 13.

About school work

• Involve your child in various activities at school. For example, encourage your child to pursue interests such as music, art, sports, and after-school clubs .
• Praise your child when they do something well. If they fail at something, help and encourage them when they are struggling.
• Create a quiet, positive environment for homework. Avoid distractions like TV and phones.
• Some children may have problems when things get a little difficult at school. If that happens, talk to the teachers at school and try to find out why. It could be a learning or attention problem, or it could be another stressor, such as bullying .
• Peer pressure is very strong at this age. Therefore, sometimes they may resort to wrong things like smoking and drinking alcohol. Be aware of who your child is associating with. Also, make sure there is adult supervision in places where they gather.

Child's personality and mental well-being

• Spend some time talking and spending time with your child every day. Eating together, playing together, and talking about things that are important to your child will strengthen your bond.
• Set house rules and be clear about what you expect of them . The consequences for breaking the rules should be fair. Praise your child for making good choices.
• Be prepared to answer your child's questions about puberty and the physical, mental, and emotional changes that come with it . If your child has questions about gender identity and sexuality , answer those openly. Encourage your child to talk to you about any questions or concerns they may have.
• For girls, the first menstrual period usually occurs around the age of 13. But it can sometimes be as late as 15. Talk to your daughter about her period before she starts, and encourage her to ask you any questions she has.
• Encourage your child to delay having sex with others until they are older . Explain the risks of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancies.
• Encourage your child to bathe and wash their body every day . If there is a problem with body odor, such as sweat, tell them to use a deodorant.
• Brush your teeth twice a day, floss at least once a day, and take your child to see a dentist every 6 months .
• Be aware of the signs of depression. Talk to a doctor if you have symptoms such as feeling angry all the time, feeling sad, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, declining grades in school, or talking about suicide.

Don't forget about the child's safety.

We also need to think a lot about the safety of children at this age.

• Talk to your child about the dangers of smoking, vaping, alcohol, and drugs .
• Children this age should always stay in the back seat when riding in a car, and they should definitely wear a seatbelt .
• When riding a bicycle, skateboard, or scooter, ask them to wear a helmet . When playing sports, ask them to use safety equipment appropriate for the sport, such as mouth guards and knee and elbow pads.
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun . Remember to reapply every 2 hours.
• Protect your child from secondhand smoke.
• Be aware of your child's Internet use. Keep the computer at home where you can see it. Set up safety filters, and check your child's browser history to see what websites they visit.
• Talk to your child about online safety, cyberbullying, and how to use social media responsibly .
• Do not keep firearms at home. If you do, keep them unloaded, locked up, and out of reach of children. Keep the ammunition locked up separately. Keep the keys out of reach of children.
• If you have questions about your living situation, such as whether you have what you need to care for your child (e.g., food, shelter, health insurance), talk to your doctor about it. Your doctor may be able to refer you to community resources for help or to a social worker.

The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so we've talked a lot about the medical examination of a 12-year-old. Finally, here are some important things to remember:

• This age is a time of many physical and mental changes and challenges for children. Therefore, they need your love, understanding, and support more than ever.
• Talk openly with your doctor about everything. Don't be afraid to ask any questions or concerns you may have.
• Maintain good communication with your child. Give them the confidence that they can talk to you about anything.
• Always be concerned about your child's safety, especially when it comes to the internet and peer pressure.
• You are not alone on this journey. You can get help from doctors, teachers, and, if necessary, counselors.

I hope these tips will help your child have a healthy, happy future!

` Child health checkup, 12 years, puberty, child development, parenting advice, healthy habits, mental health