When a child is sick, you know immediately that they will need to see their pediatrician. If they are only going in for a cold or flu, you know that the only thing you will need to tell their doctor is the symptoms they have had, how long they have lasted and what you have given them.
For well child checkups, there isn’t much to know. The pediatrician will ask the questions that they need to know the answers to. However, if you have a concern about your child, you’ll need to be prepared for your visit.
I am concerned about my son’s hyperactivity and that he seems to be behind in some areas although he is very much ahead in others. He seems perfectly normal, happy and healthy. However, as a single mother, I am very concerned that I may misinterpret something or not see something that a pediatrician would.
Worried that I will forget something important, I’ve researched and made a list of things that I need to know or remember to discuss with his pediatrician at his visit. This is what I have come up with:
*Eating habits are something that the doctor will need to know about.
*Sleeping patterns should be well established by the time your child is a toddler. The pediatrician should be told about any disrupted sleep patterns. It is common for toddlers to sleep twelve to fourteen hours per day.
*Social interaction and how well the toddler plays with other toddlers. If your toddler prefers to play alone or is aggressive toward other children would be cause for concern and should be mentioned.
*Any abnormal behavior should be mentioned. It may be that isn’t really that abnormal at all. However, if you have noticed something that seems abnormal, it is worth mentioning to the pediatrician.
Luckily, parents don’t have to come up with the questions to ask the doctor. The doctor will ask you anything they feel is relevant. They don’t know your child like you do though. If there is something you feel is relevant, mention it. If there is nothing to it, there is no harm done. If it is a problem though, you’ll be glad you mentioned it.
Related Articles: