Your 16/17 Year Old Child

Your 16 year old is well into or through puberty. He or she continues to be intensively involved with, and influenced by his or her friends. You’ve also noticed an increase in the number of conflicts with your child over his or her independence. A 16 year old is frequently active in school, driving, and working. Your sixteen year old has a right to privacy when it comes to future office visits. Please discuss with your teen whether he or she is comfortable with having you in the examining room when coming for an office visit.

Caring for Your Teen

With your child becoming more and more independent and involved in his or her own life, it may seem that you as a parent aren’t “needed”. The opposite is true. Spending time with your teen is still one of the most important jobs you have as a parent. Getting to know his or her likes and dislikes, as well as interests, will help you grow closer during a time when it feels as though you’re growing apart. It is normal for there to be periods of estrangement in your relationship with your teen. Show your affection appropriately, and be supportive of his or her drive toward independence and responsibility. Encourage your teen to gain work experience. Continue to establish fair and consistent household rules, and promote honest and open communication.

Your Teen’s Health and Safety

As your child enters further into adolescence, some of the dangers he or she faces become more of a day to day reality. Talk with your teen about the dangers of sex. Remind your teen that it is his or her right to say “no” to sexual activity. However, if you have a concern with your child’s sexual activity, talk with us about it. Other health and safety concerns include the following.

• Eat a balanced diet, maintain regular physical activity and model a healthy lifestyle.
• Be sure your teen gets enough rest. With school, work and extracurricular activities, your teen may be burning him or herself out.
• Encourage your child to practice self examination of breasts or testes.
• Require your teen to wear a seat belt at all times while driving or riding in the car. Warn him or her about other drivers and to drive defensively.
• Tell your teen not to ride with a driver who is unsafe, reckless, drunk or using drugs.
• Continue to advise your teen on the dangers of using drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
• Require your teen to bike and skate with appropriate safety gear.

Your Next Appointment

The next physical will be at 18 years of age, or 17 years of age if a physical is required for sports, camping, other activities. If your child has a chronic medical condition such as asthma, allergies or scoliosis, we will advise you on the timing of your next visit.