My Child's 12 Year Visit

Physical Exam and Immunizations

Moving Onto Middle School

At twelve years old, your child has a big transition ahead as they head to middle school. It’s an important time to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician to check in on your child’s overall health. This appointment gives parents an excellent opportunity to discuss any concerns they might have regarding academics, activity levels, or mental health. 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

Anxiety, bullying, and self-harm are all common challenges your twelve-year-old may be facing. We’ll ask how your child is doing emotionally, what challenges they are facing, and if they have healthy coping skills. We’ll also discuss anxiety and depression and offer guidance on how you can support your child at this age if that is something they’re struggling with.

Academic Progress

Your child is more logical at this age and understands abstract ideas, theories, and hypotheses. Their schoolwork is more complex and involves research and more technical reading. We’ll discuss their academic progress and any challenges they may be facing in school to ensure they are getting the support they need.

Online Safety

Cyberbullying, predators, and location sharing are all concerns when your child is spending time on online platforms. We’ll discuss technology use, social media, and online safety.

Health and Nutrition

A balanced diet supports everything from bone growth to cognitive development. We’ll discuss your child’s diet and encourage a variety of nutrient-rich foods and regular exercise to promote healthy weight and good physical health.

Picture of Rod Maxwell, PA-C

Rod Maxwell, PA-C

Rod 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.

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 72-95 lbs 96+ lbs
Children’s Acetaminophen
(160 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every four hours.
15 mL 20 mL
Children’s Ibuprofen
(100 mg / 5 mL)
Can be given every six hours.
*Dosage for Infant Ibuprofen differs
15 mL 20 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 vaccine (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.

I’m so proud of my son. He got out of his comfort zone and tried out for the school play and made it! He’s been working so hard on his lines and is overcoming his fears of being in front of people. I can’t wait to see him on stage.

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.

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