Adolescent Letter To Parents
Dear Parent,
Adolescence is an exciting time. As pediatricians, we enjoy seeing our patients grow and develop from dependent children into happy, healthy young adults. This is one of the most rewarding parts of our profession and one that we are privileged to share with you and your family.
As with all the excitement, however, stress unfortunately is part of this process. As children change into adults, both physically and emotionally, many challenges arise for you to help your children learn about their bodies and to learn to make responsible adult decisions. It is clear that the best way to help your children is to talk to them. These discussions are often hard to have because you may not want to contemplate your child having to address these issues at a young age and you may be unsure what to say or how to say it.
To that end, we would like to provide you some general information on the adolescent issues to act as a starting point for discussions with your child. We also encourage you and your child to ask us questions and for further information if needed.
During adolescent visits, it is our policy to ask parents to leave the room for a portion of the visit. Your physician will determine when the timing is right. This encourages children to learn to accept responsibility for their own health care and how to communicate their concerns with their physician. We also encourage parents to be present for part of the visit to ask questions and voice any other concerns.
As always, do not hesitate to contact us if we may be of assistance to you during this exciting time.
Sincerely,
Megan T. Poole, M.D.
Rachel Thomas, D.O.
Kibbe M. Crowley, M.D.
Alexander D. Goodsell, M.D.
Stacey Burnett, APRN
Adolescent Topics for Parents
Tips for Parents – Talking to your Adolescent
Physical Activity and Sports
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/fitness/Pages/How-Teens-Can-Stay-Fit.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/fitness/Pages/Physical-Activities-for-Teens.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/sports/Pages/Is-Your-Child-Ready-for-Sports.aspx
Nutrition and Eating Disorders
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/nutrition/Pages/A-Teenagers-Nutritional-Needs.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/emotional-problems/Pages/Is-Your-Teen-at-Risk-for-Developing-an-Eating-Disorder.aspx
School, Bullying, Internet Use, Teen Suicide
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/school/Pages/Helping-Your-Teen-Succeed-In-School.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Bullying-Its-Not-Ok.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Adverse-Effects-of-Television-Commercials.aspx
- https://patiented.solutions.aap.org/handout.aspx?gbosid=166244
- https://patiented.solutions.aap.org/handout.aspx?gbosid=166253
Puberty and Testicular Self Exam
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/news/Pages/Counseling-Teenage-Boys-About-Puberty-Sexual-and-Reproductive-Care.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/gradeschool/puberty/Pages/Physical-Development-Girls-What-to-Expect.aspx
- https://www.testicularcancer.org/testicular-self-exam
Substance Use (Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs, Vaping)
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/substance-abuse/Pages/Drug-Abuse-Prevention-Starts-with-Parents.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/substance-abuse/Pages/Helping-Teens-Resist-Pressure-to-Try-Drugs.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/substance-abuse/Pages/Talking-to-Teens-About-Drugs-and-Alcohol.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/substance-abuse/Pages/Teens-and-Smoking.aspx
- https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/substance-abuse/Pages/E-cigarettes.aspx
Dating and Sex