Well-Child Visits

• Regular Checkup for a Child

  Print this page and fill in the information if you are bringing your child in for an appointment. What questions or concerns do I have about my child that I want addressed during this appointment? Are there any recent stresses in the family that may be affecting my child, such as death of a loved one, loss...

• Milestones for Ages 15 to 18

  Ages 15 to 18 are an exciting time of life. But these years can be challenging for teens and their parents. Emotions can change quickly as teens learn to deal with school, their friends, and adult expectations. Teen self-esteem is affected by...

• Medical Checkups for Adolescents

  During your adolescent's yearly medical checkup, most doctors: Check your child's height and weight, body mass index, blood pressure, vision, and hearing. Listen to your child's heart and lungs. Also, the doctor will feel the lymph nodes and the...

• Growth and Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years

  How do teenagers grow and develop during ages 15 to 18? The ages from 15 to 18 are an exciting time of life. But these years can be challenging for teens and their parents. Emotions can change quickly as teens learn to deal with school, their friends, and adult expectations. Teen self-esteem is affected by success...

• How Adolescent Thinking Develops

  Adolescents typically think in concrete ways. This means that they have difficulty with abstract and symbolic concepts. Their thinking tends to be focused on the present. They are just starting to be able to gather information from experience, analyze information, and make critical decisions about future choices and...

• Emotional and Social Development, Ages 11 to 14 Years

  Independence, individuality, identity, and self-esteem are buzzwords for early teen emotional and social development. Elementary school-age children have strong ties to their families and want to please their parents. The years 11 through 14 are a transition between childhood and adulthood. Appropriately, adolescents...

• Helping Adolescents Develop More Mature Ways of Thinking

  Adolescent thinking tends to be focused on the present. But adolescents and teens are rapidly learning new skills related to complex reasoning, inductive and deductive reasoning, sensitivity toward others, flexibility, and problem solving. Remind yourself that it is normal for adolescents to have a sense of being...

• Physical Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years

  By age 15, most girls have had their first menstrual period and have completed the rapid growth spurt that usually occurs during puberty. After the first period, teenage girls grow 1.5 in. (3.8 cm) to 3 in. (7.6 cm) on average. Other early changes of puberty, such as the growth of pubic hair and breasts, have also...

• Emotional and Social Development, Ages 15 to 18 Years

  Older teens may seem mature at times, but they often will still have periods of childish behavior. Those who have not yet established a personal identity and sense of independence may try defining themselves through rebellious or difficult behavior. Teens learn about themselves through expanding their relationships...

• Well-Child Visits

  It's important for your child to have regularly scheduled checkups, often called well-child visits, beginning shortly after birth and lasting through the teen years. These appointments allow your doctor to keep a close eye on your child's general health and development. Finding possible problems early gives your child...

• Regular Checkup for a Child

  Print this page and fill in the information if you are bringing your child in for an appointment. What questions or concerns do I have about my child that I want addressed during this appointment? Are there any recent stresses in the family that may be affecting my child, such as death of a loved one, loss...

• Well-Baby Visits to the Doctor

  Find out what happens at well-baby visits, how they help you, and why they're important.

• Emotional and Social Development, Ages 12 to 24 Months

  Toddlers form strong emotional attachments and often feel uneasy when they are separated from their loved ones. Around the same time, toddlers typically want to do things on their own or according to their own wishes. This sets the stage for conflict, confusion, and occasional breakdowns. Toddlers typically develop...

• Emotional and Social Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months

  Emotional and social growth during the first year of life can be both fascinating and exciting. As babies bond with their parents and caregivers, their interactions become more personal and engaging. Although your baby is unique and will exhibit his...

• Emotional Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years

  Emotional growth is a process of developing feelings and learning how to handle them appropriately. Sadness, fear, anger, and happiness are our most common feelings. Every child has emotional needs. Meeting those needs is one of the most important...

• Growth and Development, Ages 2 to 5 Years

  Discusses normal growth and development of children ages 2 to 5. Covers physical growth, language skills, toilet training, and eating and sleeping habits. Also discusses how kids think and manage their feelings. Includes info on routine medical visits.

• Health and Safety, Ages 2 to 5 Years

  This topic suggests ways to help prevent illness and accidental injuries in young children. It does not cover every risk that a child faces, but it does cover many of the most common hazards and situations that can be dangerous to children ages 2 to 5 years. What can you expect from your child at this age...

• Well-Child Visits

  It's important for your child to have regularly scheduled checkups, often called well-child visits, beginning shortly after birth and lasting through the teen years. These appointments allow your doctor to keep a close eye on your child's general health and development. Finding possible problems early gives your child...