My Child's 11 Year Visit

Physical Exam and Immunizations

Building Confidence and Maturity

At eleven years old, your child is starting to become more mature and independent. 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 discuss whether your child has entered puberty and the changes they should expect with their bodies.

Emotional Wellness

Keeping an open dialogue with your child and allowing them to share their feelings and differing opinions is important at this age. We’ll discuss anxiety and depression and offer resources and guidance if your child needs additional support.

Academic Progress

At this age, your child is comparing information, forming their own opinions, and explaining their reasoning. Their schoolwork is more complex and involves bigger projects with more research. We’ll discuss their academic progress and any challenges they may be facing in school to ensure they are getting the support they need.

Health & Nutrition

Vitamins and minerals are an essential part of your growing child’s diet and come from a variety of fruits and vegetables. We’ll encourage healthy eating and regular exercise to promote physical health and positive self-esteem.   

Picture of Claudia Castelnovi, M.D.

Claudia Castelnovi, M.D.

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

Milestones to Expect

  • Pays more attention to how they look (clothes, hair, and body).
  • Enjoys teams and group activities.
  • Becomes more involved with their friends than their family.
  • Can use tools like a hammer or screwdriver.
  • Has more complex thoughts and feelings.
  • Entering puberty if they haven’t already.
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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.
  • Set clear rules for electronic devices and social media.
  • Teach your child the danger and consequences of vaping, drinking, and drugs.
  • Teach your child body boundaries including safe and unsafe touch, consent, and personal space.

Medicine Dosages

WEIGHT 60-71 lbs 72-95 lbs
Children’s Acetaminophen
(160 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every four hours.
12.5 mL 15 mL
Children’s Ibuprofen
(100 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every six hours.
*Dosage for Infant Ibuprofen differs
12.5 mL 15 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.

DTaP VIS

HPV VIS

MenACWY VIS

Influenza/Flu VIS

Covid-19 VIS

  1. Diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis vaccine (DTaP)
  2. Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
  3. Meningococcal Conjugate (MenACWY)
  4. Influenza/Flu
  5. 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.

My kids are the joy of my life. My daughter’s so smart and doing so well in school. I love listening to her reading to her little brother. Seeing the two of them together gives me so much hope for the future.”

When to Call Your Pediatrician

  • If your child has a fever.
  • If your child is vomiting or has diarrhea.
  • If your child is struggling to breathe.
  • If your child has any sort of abdominal pain.
  • Any time you feel something is out of the ordinary.

From the Pediatric Blog

Parenting Strategies for Tweens and Teens

Becoming a teenager can be full of ups and downs not only for adolescents but also for parents. Setting boundaries and maintaining connections with your kids can be challenging during this stage. Here are some tips to help you guide your teen while respecting this time in their lives.

Social Media & Your Child’s Mental Health: What the Research Says

Help your child navigate the world of social media! Establish a Family Media Plan to promote healthy usage and open communication about their online experiences.

11 Ways to Encourage Your Child to Be Physically Active

Only about 1 in 4 children meet the recommended 60 minutes of physical activity per day. Regular physical activity is essential for building healthy bodies, improving mental well-being, and promoting lifelong habits of health.