What to Expect During This Visit
Your doctor and/or nurse will probably:
1. Check your child's weight and height, calculate body
mass index (BMI), and plot the measurements on growth
charts.
2. Check your child's blood pressure using standard testing equipment.
Your child's hearing may be checked.
3. Ask questions, address concerns, and offer advice about your
child's:
Eating. At this age, kids should begin making healthy food choices
on their own. Your child's diet should include lean protein, whole grains, fruits
and vegetables, and low-fat dairy. Kids this age should get 3 cups (720 ml) of low-fat or nonfat milk (or
of low-fat or nonfat dairy products or milk alternative) daily. Aim for five servings
of fruits and vegetables per day.
Sleeping. Kids this age need about 9-12
hours of sleep per night. Lack of sleep can make it hard to pay attention at school.
Set a bedtime that allows for enough sleep and encourage your child to follow a relaxing
bedtime routine. Keep TVs and all digital devices out of your child's bedroom.
Physical activity. Kids this age should get at least 60 minutes
of physical activity per
day. Set daily limits on screen
time, including TV, DVDs, video games, smartphones, tablets, and computers.
Growth and development. By 11 years, it's common for many kids
to:
- Show some signs of puberty:
- In girls, puberty usually starts when they're between
8 and 13 with breast development and the appearance of pubic hair. Menstruation usually
follows about 2 years after breast development begins.
- In boys, testicular enlargement is the first sign of puberty. This happens around
age 11, but may start as early as 9 and as late as 15. Penile lengthening and the
appearance of pubic hair follow.
- have oily skin
and/or acne
- not always connect their actions with future consequences
- want to be independent and fit in with peers
- focus on personal appearance
and behavior (they think all eyes are on them)
- want to engage in risky behaviors
After talking with you, the doctor may request some time alone with your child
to answer any additional questions.
4. Do a physical
exam. This will include looking at the skin, listening
to the heart and lungs, examining the back for any curvature
of the spine, and checking for the signs of puberty. A parent, caregiver, or chaperone
should be present during this part of the exam, but siblings should remain outside
in the waiting room to give your child privacy.
5. Update immunizations. Immunizations
can protect kids from serious childhood illnesses, so it's important that your child
get them on time. Immunization
schedules can vary from office to office, so talk to your doctor about what to
expect.
6. Order tests. Your doctor may check your child's risk for anemia, high
cholesterol, and tuberculosis
and order tests, if needed.