When it comes to annual checkups for your children, they are your opportunity to partner with your family doctor to ensure their health. Your family doctor might ask a lot of questions to assess each child's medical condition, but there are also questions you can ask to ensure you are doing everything you can for your little ones. Here are some things to discuss with your family doctor.
Discuss Nutritional Concerns
Parents sometimes struggle with nutritional questions, whether their children eat too much, not enough, or are hard to feed. Talk to your family doctor about different approaches you can take for any picky eaters you have in your house, and ask about how to control sugar and caloric content without sacrificing nutrition. Your doctor can provide pointers, and he or she can also put you in touch with a nutritionist if your children are having difficulty with getting their daily recommended nutrients.
Discuss Developmental Milestones
Young children and infants face a series of milestones they are expected to achieve to show they are developing at the right pace. Some parents may be concerned about little ones not walking or talking on time, while others might be concerned with progress in preschool or grade school. If you have any concerns about development, be sure to bring them up during the checkup. Your doctor may be able to alleviate your fears or provide referrals to experts if needed.
Discuss Immunization Schedules
It's important to discuss immunization schedules for several reasons. You may be required to have certain vaccinations completed before enrolling children in daycare or kindergarten, so you'll need to know which ones are required. Some doctors use slightly different schedules, which might require you to schedule visits in between annual checkups to get all of the vaccinations complete. You might have questions about what the vaccines are for, or you might have questions about potential side effects. Asking questions during this checkup provides an opportunity to learn everything you need to before your child is vaccinated. Your pediatrician may have fliers for each vaccine so you know which types of side effects to look for after the vaccines are administered.
Your family doctor is your partner in helping to raise healthy, happy kids. As your children grow, your doctor will be able to provide guidance about diet and exercise, behavior, and health, ensuring your children have everything they need to grow up big and strong.
