From 5 years to 10 years we still see your child every year.  This allows us to keep track of how your child is growing and developing through these years.  Well checks allow families to bring up issues that they may not think are important enough for a separate visit.  Seeing your child every year also helps continue to develop the relationship between your child and their pediatrician which may make them more comfortable talking about issues they may have in the future.

Child development.

In the grade school years children slowly develop more muscle tone and stamina.  That’s one reason they come in requiring naps during the day in kindergarten, and are able to go all day by 6th grade.  Their mental development becomes more sophisticated, and they can handle more difficult schoolwork.

We expect children to be able to successfully complete each year of school, but remember that every child is different.  Some may be able to easily get A’s, while another child has to work harder to get a C.  Interacting with the teacher, and working with your child while they do work can help you understand how your child does in school and if they need any help.  Conditions like ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, and other learning disabilities often show up at this time, leading to poor school performance.  If your child is not doing well in school a talk with your teacher and pediatrician can help you all decide if testing is needed.  

Child growth.

We continue to monitor your child’s weight and height on the growth chart.  Encouraging your child to be active can help make sure they stay in a good weight, as well as improve their health and focus.

General health.

We will, as usual, examine your child physically.  Now that your child is getting older, we can spend more time interacting with just the patient instead of having the parent in the middle.  This allows the child to learn to pay attention to their bodies, talk about their concerns, and see the pediatrician as another person who they can count on.   

Food and nutrition.

We still recommend a balanced and varied diet, with mainly milk and water to drink.  Children will often want a snack after school, so make sure there are healthy items available in appropriate servings available.  

Eating dinner together at the table whenever possible helps your child in family in several ways such as allowing you to be a good example of eating well, giving you a chance to check in on your children and how their day went, and reducing the risk of substance use.

Health history.

Let us know if your child had any trips to the urgent care or ER, as well as any visits to specialists. 

Family history.

Remember to tell us if there are any new diseases or illnesses in the family.  Sometimes we may need to monitor your child for similar issues.

Social history.

Are you in the same house?  Is your child living in more than one place-eg. mom’s house, dad’s house.  Let us know about any changes in your family.

Safety and health issues.

We still prefer that kids wear helmets when on bikes, skateboards, and the like.  We prefer kids to be in the backseat of vehicles with a seatbelt, and booster if needed.  

This is the time to make sure your child knows their body and changes that can happen to it as they grow.  Talk to them about privacy and inappropriate touching.  Start a habit of being open with your child about these things so they feel comfortable talking to you about them.  

Be a good example to your child for dealing with disagreements and conflicts.  Teach them ways to deal with their feelings and frustrations that are constructive, and that don’t include hitting.   

Vaccines.

At this age most kids are up to date, and don’t need regular vaccines.  We check your child’s shot record at every well visit (so please bring it each time) to make sure they’ve got everything they need.  We still recommend yearly influenza shots.

Links.

CDC essentials for parenting toddlers and preschoolers.

10 Ways to improve your grade schooler’s communication skills.

The benefits of family meal times.

Benefits of well child checks.