Is it time to schedule your 12-year-old's annual physical and health screening? This exam will cover a wide range of issues affecting your tween, so it's smart to prepare. Here are key points to help you both feel ready.
Key issues for 12-year-olds
Body changes. Kids this age may have major growth spurts, often making them feel awkward in their changing bodies. Females may get their
first menstrual periods and continue to experience breast and body hair growth. Males will likely notice their genitals enlarging, facial and body hair emerging and changes in voice tone. Whatever their
gender identity, kids need compassion and support to deal with these changes.
Self-respect. Along with body image, tweens face many other issues that might shake their confidence. They may compare themselves to siblings and other family members, wondering whether they're loved for who they are. They may cave in to
peer pressure if they think it will elevate their social standing. Helping your child value the qualities that make them unique can help them develop a strong sense of self.
Mental health. Many brain-based conditions, from chronic
depression to
eating disorders, are diagnosed in the tween years. Careful screening helps your child's medical team provide early treatment, which is the best way to minimize the lifetime impact of any mental health issue. Even kids who don't have a specific diagnosis may be susceptible to mood swings, sleep loss, episodes of anxiety and other threats to their mental balance.
Digital health. That's the term for responsible use of
social media and other web platforms such as
gaming, video streaming and
AI. The internet is here to stay, so it's crucial to guide your child toward healthy habits. Creating a
family media plan can help.
What to expect at your 12-year-old's yearly checkup
Many 12-year-olds ask to meet with the doctor
on their own. This gives them the opportunity to raise issues they have questions about without worrying or offending you. (Don't worry – the doctor will make time for your questions and concerns, too.)
The doctor may ask your child:
Do you like school? Are you doing pretty well?
Are your family relationships good? Any "hot spots" where there's lots of conflict?
Any
big life changes lately? (New home or school, separation or divorce, serious illness or injury in the family, or anything else?)
Are you
physically active for at least one hour every day?
What do you love to eat? Any foods you always skip?
Do you feel pretty good about yourself? Any fears or worries that won't leave you alone?
Pro tip: If your child seems to shut you out when you bring up serious topics, ask your pediatrician for support.
Research shows that kids benefit from talking with their parents, even when they act like they're not listening.
Your get-ready checklist
✅ Immunizations
During this visit, your pediatrician may recommend a
flu shot. Many 12-year-olds have already been vaccinated for
human papillomavirus (HPV), which raises risks for certain cancers and other sexually transmitted diseases. If your child hasn't had this 2-part vaccine yet—maybe due to worries about vaccine safety or fears it will give your child permission to have sex—talk these concerns over with your pediatrician.
Your tween should also have the 2-part vaccine that protects against major forms of
meningitis, an illness that can be deadly. A
Tdap booster can protect them from 3 other dangerous diseases: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Your pediatrician will offer these vaccines as needed (along with others your child might have missed). If you have questions about vaccines, talk openly with your pediatrician. They can support you in making informed choices that feel right for your family.
✅ Physical health
Your 12-year-old's checkup will include a full physical exam. Tests might include:
Lipid profile (to look for signs of
high cholesterol in the blood)
Hearing (one routine hearing test is given between 11 and 14 years of age)
Vision (if your child has a history of vision problems)
Depending on your child's overall health, where your family lives and other factors, the doctor may also test for:
Your doctor might ask your child:
✅ Emotional and mental health
Since brain health is linked with physical health, your pediatrician will screen your 12-year-old for common mental health issues. They may ask questions like these:
Did you know?
Even though it's more common among older teens, a
recent study shows that younger kids may experiment with
sexting. This can mean sharing pictures or videos of their own bodies, forwarding sexual content from the web or inviting a peer to have sex. Now is a good time to talk with your 12-year-old about these choices, since anything they post might stay on the internet forever. Sexting without consent can also be viewed as a crime—so it's crucial to help your child understand all sides of this complex issue.
✅ Healthy eating
Because your 12-year-old spends a big chunk of every day away from home, it's hard to keep tabs on what they eat. Your best move is to help them recognize the power of good choices. Tweens might be surprised to hear that good nutrition helps keep their skin clear and their smiles bright while supporting
healthy weight. Include your tween in meal and snack planning focused on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and other sources of key nutrients. Don't forget that what they drink is important, too!
Your pediatrician will ask a range of questions relating to diet, including some designed to uncover signs of
disordered eating. Since eating issues can cause severe harm, the goal is to find them early and treat them effectively.
The doctor might ask your 12-year-old:
What foods do you love to eat?
Are there any foods you refuse to eat?
Do you skip meals sometimes? How often?
Do you count calories, ounces or content (like carbs) in choosing what to eat?
How much
water do you drink?
Do you like
sports drinks, sodas or coffee drinks?
Do you brush your teeth every day? What about flossing?
✅ Safety
Online. Your 12-year-old may spend a lot of time
on the web constantly – and you may have few insights into what they're seeing and learning. Issues like
pornography,
online bullying and
too much screen time can get serious at this age. Your pediatrician may ask whether your child has ever come across anything that made them feel confused or unsafe on digital channels.
In their body. By now your child has learned about
safe and unsafe touching. This is a good time to dive a little deeper into topics like
sex,
body autonomy and consent. Maintaining an open conversation helps tweens feel prepared to deal with peer pressure and say "no" to anything they don't want to do.
Talking about
pregnancy,
sexually transmitted diseases and similar topics with your tween does not signal your approval of early sex. But staying silent leaves them in the dark, which might send them searching for answers in unsafe places. Ask your pediatrician for tips on talking with your child.
At home.
Gun safety is crucial for all families. If you have firearms at home, set strict rules about how they are stored. Always keep ammunition separate. Know about the dangers posed by home
swimming pools and
trampolines if you own them.
Away from home. Tweens need to know how to
prevent sunburn and stay safe
near the water.
As school gatherings, parties and weekend trips become a bigger part of their social life, be sure to talk about safety in tricky situations. Consider having a no-questions-asked policy: whenever they feel uncomfortable, you'll come get them, no questions asked. (Follow up later by signaling you're ready to listen and problem-solve without lecturing.)
In discussing safety, your child's doctor may ask:
✅ After your visit: communicating with your child's doctor
Your child's well-being is your pediatrician's #1 focus. When you're concerned about a specific issue—from sports drinks to social media—talk with your child's doctor. If needed, they can refer you to specialists that focus on the issue that worries you. They can also help you find community health resources that will benefit you, your child and your family.
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