My Baby's 10 Year Visit

Physical Exam and Immunizations

Growing Leaps and Bounds

At ten years old, your child is right in between the childhood years and teen years. Scheduling an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to check in on your child’s health gives parents an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns they might have. We’ll cover a variety of topics to ensure your child is staying on track.

Physical Screening

During the physical screening, your pediatrician will check your child’s height, weight, vision, and blood pressure. We’ll also suggest discussing puberty with your child and the changes they should expect with their bodies.

Emotional Wellness

As your child navigates greater responsibilities and social expectations, they need a strong support system. We’ll discuss how you can help them build resilience and offer age-appropriate coping strategies. If they are struggling with their emotional well-being, we’ll provide guidance on additional support.

Academic Progress

At this age, your child is becoming much more independent and self-motivated. With improved reading comprehension and problem-solving skills, your child is mastering more complex topics. We’ll discuss their grades and any areas they struggle with in school.

Health and Nutrition

A balanced diet with protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables is essential for your child’s growing mind and body. We’ll encourage healthy eating and regular exercise to promote physical health and positive self-esteem.

Picture of Jennifer Gilsoul, M.D.

Jennifer Gilsoul, M.D.

Jennifer is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Milestones to Expect

  • Understands hypothetical situations.
  • Becomes more interested in their friends than their family.
  • Expresses themselves more freely.
  • Develops a great sense of responsibility.
  • Forms opinions based on news, social media, and peers.
  • Has better decision-making skills.

Safety Reminders

  • Continue to use a booster seat until they are 4’ 9” tall.
  • Ensure your child always wears a helmet while riding a scooter, bike, or skateboard and teach them the rules of the road.
  • Teach your child internet safety and how to keep their personal information including full name, birthday, and address private.
  • Teach your child to stay safe around fire, guns, and water.

Medicine Dosages

WEIGHT 48-59 lbs 60-71 lbs
Children’s Acetaminophen
(160 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every four hours.
10 mL 12.5 mL
Children’s Ibuprofen
(100 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every six hours.
*Dosage for Infant Ibuprofen differs
10 mL 12.5 mL
Do not exceed more than 4 doses in 24 hours.

Vaccine Information Sheets

Vaccine Information Statements (VISs) are information sheets produced by the CDC that explain both the benefits and risks of a vaccine to vaccine recipients.

HPV VIS

Influenza/Flu VIS

Covid-19 VIS

  1. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  2. Influenza/Flu
  3. Covid-19

Bright Futures

At your visit, we’ll provide a summary of what to expect at this stage of your child’s development, as well as in the upcoming weeks and months. This resource, known as Bright Futures, is available below for viewing or printing online.

I’m so proud of the young man he is becoming. He’s ten years old and so curious and invested in the things he loves. It’s incredible to watch him and to be able to cheer him on. I love him so much!

When to Call Your Pediatrician

  • If your child has a fever.
  • If your child is vomiting.
  • If your child has diarrhea.
  • If your child has an unusual skin rash.
  • If your child has any sort of abdominal pain.
  • Any time you feel something is out of the ordinary.

From the Pediatric Blog

Building Resilience to Stress in our Kids!

Stress can occur at any age; even children can experience it. Whether it’s school, extra-curricular activities, or social relationships, learning stress management skills can be helpful. Here are some suggestions to help alleviate stress in children and ways to help them cope as they get older.

Kids & Money: Help Your Child Learn Good Financial Habits

Teaching kids to manage money responsibly through saving, spending, and sharing helps build independence and smart decision-making skills. Involving them in tracking and planning their finances fosters long-term financial literacy.

Kindness: How a Simple Act Can Make a Big Difference

Teaching children kindness helps foster empathy and respect for others, a skill they carry with them for life. By modeling kindness at home and encouraging acts of compassion, parents can create a positive, inclusive environment for their children.