My Teen's 13 Year Visit
Officially a Teenager
You have an official teenager on your hands! At thirteen years old, your child’s mind and body are constantly changing. It’s an important time to schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. 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 puberty, including growth spurts, acne, and mood changes.
Emotional Wellness
Your child’s emotional well-being is an important aspect of their health, as anxiety and depression are a common occurrence during the teen years. We’ll ask how your child is doing emotionally, what challenges they are facing, and if they have healthy coping skills. We’ll also offer guidance on how you can support your child through the ups and downs of the teen years.
Academic Progress
Your child uses more metaphors at this age and enjoys writing down personal experiences. They like to discuss and debate different topics, and their schoolwork is more involved. 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
Sharing other’s information, sexting, and cyberbullying are all concerns at this age if your child is spending time online. We’ll discuss technology use, social media, and online safety.
Health and Nutrition
Encouraging healthy eating habits at every age builds lifelong habits. Nutrient-rich foods build strong bodies and minds. We’ll discuss your child’s diet and encourage a variety of fruits and vegetables and regular exercise to promote healthy weight and good physical health.
Isaac Marshall, M.D.
Isaac is board-certified in pediatrics and is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Milestones to Expect
- Develops a clearer sense of their identity and sexuality.
- Develops a sense of style and want to express themselves through their clothes and hair.
- Highly influenced by their peer group.
- Pays more attention to body language and tone of voice.
- Begins thinking about the world outside their own community.
- Hormonal changes that often come with moodiness and defiance.
Safety Reminders
- Ensure your child always wears a seatbelt in the car and remind them to wear a seatbelt regardless of who they are riding in the car with.
- Set clear rules for electronic devices and social media.
- Remind your child to stay hydrated when playing sports, spending time outside, or in hotter weather.
- Teach your child the dangers and consequences of vaping, drinking, and using 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 |
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.
Influenza/Flu VIS
Covid-19 VIS
- Influenza/Fllu
- 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.
It’s hard to believe my little girl is a teenager now. She’s so good at science and especially loves learning about the atmosphere and solar system. She’s also playing basketball and we love seeing her with her team. She’s just so awesome to watch.
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
Helping Kids and Teens Manage Anxiety
Recognizing the difference between feelings of worry and chronic anxiety in children can be difficult. Children experience a wide range of emotions and may feel overwhelmed by school, extracurricular activities, and more. This article offers tips on recognizing childhood anxiety and suggestions on treating it.
Helping Your Teen Succeed In School
Help your teen thrive in school by prioritizing healthy habits and open communication. Start today with small changes that make a big difference—let’s make this school year their best one yet!
When Children and Teens Self-Harm
Support your child through the struggles of self-harm with open conversations and professional guidance. Reach out to your pediatrician today to begin the healing process together.
