Your Child's Check-up

Today, a check-up should serve many purposes: assessing your child's physical and emotional development, discussing good health habits, and preventing illness. Check-ups also help the doctor to get to know you and your child well enough to give the best care possible.

It's a good idea to bring a list of questions with you so that you will remember to ask them during the visit. Think about any developmental or behavioral issues that might be worth discussing.

Although certain basic health assessments should take place at every check-up, there should be an opportunity to talk more specifically about topics relevant for your child's age, regarding diet, exercise, stress, sleep, school, self-esteem, separation anxiety, safety and discipline.

You should always feel that your child's check-up is comprehensive. The doctor should not be rushing through the procedure, and should be answering your questions completely, making you feel that he or she has the time necessary to make the encounter worthwhile.

Confidence in your pediatrician comes from having one who listens to you, genuinely cares about your child and will do everything possible to support a healthy lifestyle. Chances are that if you feel comfortable about talking openly and freely to your pediatrician, then eventually your child will feel the same way.