As we said in Your Top Five School Physical Questions Answered, school physicals are not only a check-up, they are an important way to check in. In other words, even if they aren’t required to get a physical by school or athletic standards, it’s still imperative that children be seen by a health professional at least once a year when they reach school age. These well visits not only ensure kids are up-to-date on vaccinations and important milestones, but they also allow kids to see health professionals as members of their personal wellness team. The older they get, the more important this relationship becomes; this is especially true as children become more aware, and more responsible, for their own healthy choices.
With this said, how can we empower our kids to be self-advocates for their health? The answer: by showing them the way.
Prepping for Preschool and Kindergarten
In this stage of the game, young learners (even the ones who ask “why?” every five minutes) are picking up cues from your behavior in the doctor’s office. When you ask questions about things you are concerned or curious about, it shows your child the role the doctor can play in his or her health. And it allows the doctor to showcase experience, knowledge, and assessment techniques. Your goal is to come prepared; after all, you are your child’s biggest ally and the doctor’s best resource. Write questions down and ask them early. This way the doctor can perform the exam and physical with the concerns in mind.
It’s an excellent idea to encourage children to provide their own answers to questions. After all, you can’t answer for them when it comes to how they are feeling or what hurts, so let them take the lead. If a child is reluctant, make a point to keep including her in the discussion. For instance, if the doctor asks for a list of favorite foods, you could say, “You love apples, pears, and carrots the most, right?”
Elementary-Aged Kids
Kids from first grade to sixth grade are used to the school physical drill, and some may even look forward to it to see how much they’ve grown each time. Physicals from this point on are increasingly conversational, so the important thing here is to teach kids how to tune into their own bodies.
- Why do I have to eat vegetables?
- I’m shorter than a lot of my classmates. Is that ok?
- My stomach sometimes hurts after I eat. Why is that?
- I sometimes get headaches after school. Is there a way to make them stop?
- What is in store for my body this year?
Middle School and Junior High Kids
Ah, middle school. Hold on, parents, it’s going to be a bumpy ride for…a while. Your 12-going-on-26-year-old will probably not appreciate you holding the reigns during the appointment, so let them steer. There is a lot that happens to human bodies between the ages of 11 and 14, and some of the topics can be embarrassing, so let the doctor take the lead on the explanations (your child will be grateful). At this age, it’s important for budding teenagers to be equipped with the facts. This is the stage where hormones make their debut, making kids feel off-kilter with bodies that seem to be rebelling against them. The trick is to help them tap into the strength of the new normal so that—eventually—they’ll feel like themselves again, only more grown.
Questions they could ask:
- How much sleep should I be getting?
- What foods should I be eating to make me feel at my best?
- I hate pimples. Is there anything I can be doing to clear them up?
- My friends seem already so far ahead of me in puberty. Why is that?
- What body changes are coming my way in the next year?
- I’m really stressed out. What are some ways I can give myself a break?
As a parent, it’s important for you to help guide the discussion as necessary, but allow your child to be his or her own advocate. Your doctor will likely have information and tips for your child and for you as parents so that everyone can navigate these turbulent waters with as much strength, self-confidence, and patience as possible.
High Schoolers
Keeping kids safe, informed, and healthy is the name of the game here, and your child’s doctor can be the best source of unbiased, professional information. This is the time of life when they are increasing athletic training, entering into deeper relationships, testing new boundaries, and fighting for more independence. As much as we’d all like to control every aspect of our high schoolers lives, we cannot; we can only continue to equip them with the tools, resources, and support so they learn to make the best decisions for themselves.
To do that, it’s important for them to be active participants in their health. This means letting them set their doctor’s appointments, allowing them some privacy during their appointments, and helping them understand the relationship—and responsibility—they have to their bodies.
- I’m very active in sports. How can I fuel for best performance?
- I know drugs and alcohol are a bad idea. What are some ways I can say no while keeping up the cool factor?
- I feel sad sometimes and I can’t shake it. Is something wrong with me?
- I don’t feel great about my body, but I’m not sure what to do about it. Can you help?
- I’m heading off to college, what do I need to know?
From immunizations to awkward discussions about sex, school physicals aren’t always full of fun bandaids and kids skipping out to the car. They are, however, vitally important to children’s lifelong relationship with their bodies, their health, and the people responsible for their care. We’re proud to part of “the village” that helps raise so many Siouxland children; if you need additional tips, tools, resources, or answers, please do not hesitate to call any of our locations. We are always here to help.