Well Child Checks at 11 and 12 years
Child development.
Most children are in 6th or 7th grade at this point. They may be involved in many different activities, which can be good as long as they still have time for rest. Keeping in touch with teachers, coaches, or other activity leaders can help you keep an eye on how your child is doing in the different areas of their life.
At this age they are concrete thinkers, which means that they reason based on what they can see, feel, or what immediate reactions are. This leads to them thinking things are black and white, good or bad. They are also often egocentric, which explains why they often are self conscious and concerned their friends are judging them.
They are slowly becoming more independent. Allow them some opportunities to make their own decisions, but discuss important topics with them such as family rules and expectations, and keeping themselves safe.
Child growth.
Growth at this age is highly variable, with some children having started puberty, and some not. Usually at this point, girls are still taller than boys, since boys don’t usually get their growth spurt for another year or two. The changes in their bodies during puberty can make some children uncomfortable or unsure of what’s happening. Talking with your child now about their bodies can help reassure them, and open the way to continued conversations about topics that can be difficult to discuss.
General health.
As usual we will talk to and examine your child. This is a good time to start encouraging your child to participate in and be responsible for their own health.
Food and nutrition.
A balanced and varied diet is still the best one for your child. Make sure they have a good source of calcium and vitamin D especially if they don’t like or can’t take dairy products. Help them choose healthy snacks for after school.
Health history.
If you took your child to an urgent care, emergency room, or specialist, make sure to let your pediatrician know.
Family history.
Let your pediatrician know if there have been any new illnesses or issues in the family.
Social history.
We check with your child to see who they’re living with, and if there are pets. We also ask about smoking for health reasons (it really is healthier to not smoke around your child, even outside), and guns (please keep them locked up, and if possible allow them to have gun safety courses) in the house for safety reasons.
Safety and health issues.
Unintentional injuries are the largest cause of death in this age group, so make sure your children are being as safe as possible. Have them wear their seatbelts correctly while sitting in the back of the car. Make sure they wear their bicycle helmet, and don’t ride at dusk when they are harder to see. Teach your children the rules of the road in cars and bikes, and how to use hand signals for turns and stopping. Learn what safety items are appropriate for any activities your child is doing, and make sure that they wear them. Talk with your child about online activities and safety, be aware of who they’re interacting with.
Vaccines.
There are three vaccines for this age group. The first is against meningitis, which is a bacterial infection of the lining on the brain which can kill in less than 24 hours. There are two different kinds of meningitis shots we give to children in the US. The first, given at 11 and 16 years old, is meningitis A,C,Y, W-135. The second, meningitis B, is a two dose series starting at 16 years old.
The second vaccine is Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis. We used to just give Td, but then learned that the pertussis immunity waned about this age, and some younger children were getting sick from the older kids. After this, your child will need a tetanus booster every ten years.
The third, which is recommended, but usually not required by school is HPV, or human papilloma virus. This virus causes cancer of the mouth, throat, and anus in everyone. In boys it can cause penile cancer, and vaginal and cervical cancer in girls. It is a series of two when given below 15 years old, and three when given at or older than 15.
Links.
