Your child is now officially a teenager! Their 13-year checkup is the perfect time to support their growing independence, health, and emotional well-being. Is it time to schedule your 13-year-old's annual physical and health screening? This annual physical and health screening will cover a lot of ground, so it's smart to prepare. Here are key points to help you both feel ready for your visit.
Key issues for 13-year-olds
Body acceptance. Young teens may go through major growth spurts, which can make them feel awkward in their changing bodies. By age 13, many females have experienced their first
menstrual periods. Some girls—for example, dancers, cheer participants and other athletes—might worry that their new "curves" will make physical challenges harder. Males may feel pressure to build
"ripped" bodies to grab attention and excel in sports. Whatever their
gender identity, kids need compassion and support to cope with these changes.
Peer influence. At 13, kids may believe that what their friends say carries equal (or more) weight than what their parents tell them. Some will cave in to
peer pressure, thinking it will help them keep friends close and secure their place in friend groups. Encouraging them to think for themselves and consider what's best for them is essential.
Mental health. Brain-based conditions, from
depression and anxiety to
eating disorders, may begin to appear during adolescence. Careful screening helps your child get early treatment, which is the best way to help them cope now and as adults. Virtually any teen—with or without a mental health diagnosis—may need help managing mood swings, chronic worries, sleep loss and other mental health threats.
Digital health. That's the term for safe, responsible use of
social media and other platforms such as online gaming, video streaming and
AI). Creating a
family media plan can help you set healthy limits for your teen, along with universal rules that the whole family follows.
What to expect at your 13-year-old's yearly checkup
By now, your teen may be comfortable meeting with the pediatrician on their own. This helps them feel free to ask questions they may not have brought up with you yet. (Of course, the doctor will make time for your questions and concerns, too.)
The doctor may ask your child:
How are you doing in school?
How do you feel about family relationships? Any major conflicts at home?
Been through any
big life changes lately? (Moving to a new home, changing schools, separation or divorce, serious illness or loss in the family, for example?)
Do you get at least an hour of exercise a day?
What do you love to eat? Any foods you don't ever eat?
Do you feel pretty good about yourself? Any fears or worries that won't leave you alone?
Pro tip:
Research shows that kids benefit from talking with their parents about serious issues, even when they act like they're not listening. Good conversations start with curiosity, open-mindedness and the desire to support your child. If you struggle to talk with your teen about any health issue, ask your pediatrician for support.
Your get-ready checklist
✅ Immunizations
During this visit, your pediatrician may recommend a
flu shot. Many young teens have already been vaccinated for
human papillomavirus (HPV), which boosts risks for certain cancers and sexually transmitted diseases. If your child hasn't had this 2-part vaccine yet—possibly due to concerns about vaccine safety or the sense you're giving your teen permission to have sex—ask your pediatrician about these issues.
Your 13-year-old may be due for a
meningitis vaccine to protect them from serious (and sometimes deadly) forms of this disease. A
Tdap booster can safeguard them against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Your pediatrician will offer these vaccines if it's time for them, along with others your teen might have missed. If you're
worried about vaccine risks, talk openly with your pediatrician. They can support you in making informed choices that feel right for your family.
✅ Physical health
Your 13-year-old's checkup will include a full physical exam. Tests might include:
Depending on your child's overall health, where your family lives and other factors, the doctor might also test for:
Your doctor might ask your child:
✅ Emotional and mental health
Because the brain and the body depend on each other, your pediatrician will screen your 12-year-old for common mental health issues. They may ask questions like these:
Did you know?
Teens often feel "blue" when things don't go well for them. But for millions, low mood is a sign of
major depression, a serious health condition that makes it hard to manage school, home and community life.
Causes of depression in teens include negative
body image,
pressure to succeed, too little
sleep or
exercise, and serious
trauma (such as bullying or violence).
Too much screen time can make these issues worse. If your child faces discrimination based on
race, ethnicity,
sexual identity and other differences, they are more likely to live with depression than white or straight peers. Here's
what you need to know about depression and what signs to watch for in your teen.
✅ Healthy eating
Teens spend hours away from home every day, so you may not always know what your 13-year-old eats. This is a good time to focus on the impact of good choices. Your teen understands the link between healthy eating and a healthy body – but they might be surprised to hear that good nutrition may
help keep skin clear and
smiles bright.
Teens like making their own choices, so planning meals and snacks together is a good strategy. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and other nutritious options will benefit your child. Keep in mind that
what they drink is important, too!
Your pediatrician will ask a range of questions, with some aimed at screening for possible signs of
disordered eating. These issues often emerge early in life, and they can cause severe harm to your child's health. Finding and treating them as soon as possible is crucial.
The pediatrician might ask your 13-year-old:
What do you usually eat?
Are there any foods you just won't eat?
Do you skip meals sometimes? How often?
What's your favorite snack?
How much water do you drink?
Do you ever worry about your weight?
Do you like
sports drinks, sodas or coffee drinks?
Do you brush your teeth daily? What about flossing?
✅ Safety
Online. Your 13-year-old may spend hours every day
online, but it's hard to know what they see or who they talk with.
Online predators,
porn sites,
sexting and other issues can pose real risks for teens. Your pediatrician may ask your child how they stay safe online and whether they have any specific concerns.
In their body. By now, you have helped your teen learn how to refuse
unsafe touches from grownups and peers. At this age you will want to begin discussing sexuality with your teen in an open, non-judgmental way. Your child might not be experimenting with sex yet, but you can support them by discussing
body autonomy and consent. This helps teens deal with peer pressure and feel confident saying "no" to anything they don't want to do.
Talking about
contraception,
pregnancy,
sexually transmitted diseases and related topics does not suggest you approve of teen sex. But saying nothing leaves your child in the dark, which could send them searching for answers in unsafe places.
At home.
Gun safety is essential for every family. Make sure your teen knows that firearms should stay locked up and separate from ammunition. They're not something to show to friends or experiment with when no grownups are around. Home safety issues also include preventing injuries and deaths around
swimming pools and
trampolines.
Away from home. Since teens spend so much time with friends (and away from you), make sure they know how to
prevent sunburn and stay safe
near the water. In fact, safety in all tricky situations—including social settings—is key. Consider having a no-questions-asked policy: whenever they feel uncomfortable at a party, school event or overnight stay, promise to come get them, no questions asked. (Open the conversation later by signaling you're ready to listen and problem-solve without lecturing.)
In discussing safety, your child's doctor may ask:
Have you ever tried drugs or alcohol, alone or with friends?
Do you feel
safe in your neighborhood? Why or why not?
Have you been
bullied online or at school?
Has anyone pressured you to have sex? How did you handle that?
Is it sometimes hard for you to do what's best for you? Do you have a strategy for building that skill?
✅ After your visit: communicating with your child's doctor
Your teen's well-being is your pediatrician's central goal. When you're worried about a specific issue—from sports drinks to mental health—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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