Your Checkup Checklist: 9 Years Old

Is it time for you to schedule your 9-year-old's annual checkup? This visit will cover lots of ground, so it's smart to plan ahead.

Here are some points to think about as you and your child prepare to meet with the pediatrician.

Key developmental issues for 9-year-olds

Independence

You may notice your 9-year-old likes to tackle school projects and chores on their own (with the option to ask for help when they need it). They're building the muscles that will help them manage the world as teens and, eventually, adults.

Peers

Most kids this age have solid friendships formed through school, sports, neighborhood groups and more. They begin to show more empathy for others' feelings and communicate their own more clearly. As a parent, you'll want to know your child's friends and their families and watch for signs of harmful peer pressure.

Puberty

At this point, your child's body may begin to change. Females usually show signs of puberty between 8 and 11 years old, with males experiencing this between 11 and 14 years. You'll need to offer your child the privacy they may crave right now while opening a healthy conversation about how their bodies are evolving.

What to expect at your 9-year-old's yearly checkup

Around this age, you have the option to ask your child if they would like to meet one-on-one with the doctor on their own. This doesn't mean you won't have the chance to ask your own questions and share thoughts about your child's health. But it can help your pediatrician build a trusting relationship with your child while showing respect for their growing independence.

Your child's doctor may want to know:

• How your child feels about school

• How much physical activity they get

• What they eat and drink

• How they feel about family relationships

• How they relate to peers at school and in the community
  

Your pediatrician may have useful tips for you and your child to open a healthy dialogue about touchy subjects like school struggles, internet dangers, mental health and more.

Studies show that kids often trust their parents' guidance, even when they seem like they're not listening! Friendly, non-judgmental conversations with your child can help them navigate the challenges that come their way.

Your get-ready checklist

✅ Immunizations

At 9 years old, your child's doctor may recommend a flu shot. It's also time to discuss human papillomavirus (HPV) immunizations, which can protect your child from cancer caused by several types of HPV.

By this point, your 9-year-old has probably received several booster shots to maintain their immunity to serious diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, polio and more. Your pediatrician will review your child's immunizations and offer boosters as needed. (Boosters can be given at any point, even if plenty of time has passed since the last one.)

✅ Physical health

At this appointment, your child will have a full physical exam. This might include vision and hearing tests if last year's exam showed specific risks for eyesight or hearing problems. Other screenings might look for:

• Low levels of iron in the blood (anemia)

• High lead levels that can harm your child's health

• Tuberculosis

• Safe fluoride levels that prevent cavities

• Lipid screening to check your child's cholesterol level
  

Your doctor might ask questions like these:

• Any emergency medical care needed since your last visit?

• Do you move your body at least 1 hour a day?

• Do you live with anyone who smokes, drinks too much or uses drugs?

• Where do you sit when you're in the car?

• Do you have rules about screen time?

• Do you know how to get help in an emergency if your parents aren't around?
  

✅ Emotional and mental health

Your child's social and mental well-being affects their total health. Your pediatrician will ask about your child's school experiences, how they feel at home and what other activities they enjoy—from games and sports to hobbies, clubs and crafts.

Your pediatrician might ask questions like these:

• Do you get plenty of sleep? Any trouble falling asleep?

• Are there times you feel sad or helpless? How often does that happen?

• Are you ever so nervous or scared that you can't focus on what you're doing?

• Do you sometimes have trouble putting digital devices down?

• Do you feel safe at school and in your neighborhood?

• Do you sometimes feel so mad you don't know how to handle it?
  

✅ Healthy eating

Most 9-year-olds spend most of their time away from home, which means you won't always know what they're eating and drinking. It's hard to know if they're making good choices—so at this point, the focus shifts to helping them make the connection between good food and good health. Support this conversation by offering them a little more freedom in planning meals and snacks. Don't forget the power of setting a good example—and making choices that help the whole family eat healthfully.

Many kids eat breakfast, snacks and lunch at school. This makes it important to know what your school cafeteria serves (and what's in vending machines). If you pack food for your child, focus on healthy choices your child enjoys. MyPlate.gov offers helpful tips for working together with your child on meal planning, food choices and more. Kids can even plan their own meals and share them with parents.

Your pediatrician may ask:

• What are your favorite foods? Any you really don't like?

• Do you eat vegetables and fruits every day?

• Do you take vitamins?

• What's your favorite drink?

• Do you make your own meals? How often?

• Do you eat snacks? What do you usually grab?

• Do you brush your teeth every day? What about flossing?
  

✅ Safety

On the internet

Your 9-year-old might know as much as you do (even more!) about navigating the web. This is why your pediatrician may ask about screen time, social media, or online bullying. As you allow your child more freedom, it's key to keep an eye on their digital habits—and make sure they feel safe telling you about anything that shocks or scares them online.

With their body

At this age, your child should know it's never okay for an older child or adult to show them their private parts or ask to see theirs. Your child's doctor might cover this topic to make sure your 9-year-old feels confident reaching out to a trusted adult if this happens.

At home

Gun safety has become a countrywide issue for families. Your doctor may ask about safe practices if there are guns in your home or property. Other safety issues to discuss could involve swimming pools, home chemicals or trampoline use.

Away from home

Your child should feel free to leave any space where they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Setting a "no-questions-asked" practice means you'll pick them up anytime but postpone the conversation until they're ready. Ask your pediatrician for more tips that can help your 9-year-old ask for help in tricky situations.

✅ After your visit: communicating with your child's doctor

Your child's health is your pediatrician's first priority. Whenever you're worried about a specific issue—anything from bruises and sprains to new behaviors—your child's doctor is ready to help. If needed, they can refer you to specialists that focus on the issue you're concerned about. They can also support you in finding resources in the community that will benefit you and your family.

More information

• Sex, Gender Identity and Puberty: Helpful Insights for Families
  

• Does Your Child Struggle with Low Self-esteem?

• What is Co-Viewing? How Does It Help Your Child?

• Your Child's First Crush: Helping Them Handle Their Feelings

• Why Your Words Help Your Child, Even If It Seems Like They're Not Listening