How Pediatricians Help Parents Navigate the Challenges of Adolescence

Adolescence is a challenging life stage for many teens. Peer pressure and desire to fit in, changes in hormone levels, and other factors can lead to mental and physical changes for your teen. Your pediatrician can help you as a parent to navigate those challenges. Drs. Kristine Liberty, Steven Kovar, and Jessica Ciszek at Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL, provide medical care for children of all ages, including adolescents.

What You Need To Know About Adolescent Medicine

A pediatrician is an expert in medical care for children of all ages, including teens. A pediatrician can be a valuable resource for you and your teen to help ensure your teen remains healthy mentally and physically.

Let’s look at a few of the changes your teen is going through during the adolescent years. Your teen is probably experiencing:

• A growth spurt, which leads to changes in physical appearance
• Increased musculoskeletal strength, which can increase your teen’s desire to be active
• Puberty, which means the beginning of menstruation for girls, growth of body hair for boys, and sexual awareness for both sexes
• Peer pressure, which can lead to substance use and other harmful behaviors

Your teen may also be experiencing mood swings and behavioral changes, which can be dramatic. Adolescents are also at risk of mental health conditions, including depression and anxiety.

Your pediatrician will evaluate your teen at regular yearly visits and physicals. The visit is comprehensive, and during the visit, the pediatrician will:

• Perform a comprehensive physical examination, checking for any signs or symptoms of illness
• Order any necessary lab testing to screen for medical conditions and check overall health
• Order any imaging studies to check for problems with bones, muscles, nerves, and organs
• Discuss behavioral and mental health issues with your adolescent

Some visits may also include mental health screenings to check for common mental health conditions. If your teen is experiencing changes to their mental or physical health, you may want to bring your teen in sooner than once yearly. You should schedule a visit with the pediatrician if your child is:

• Experiencing an acute illness
• Withdrawing from social situations
• Forgetting things and not completing tasks
• Doing poorly in school due to lack of attention
• Engaging in smoking, drinking, or substance abuse
• Has thoughts of self-harm or harming others

Want To Know More About Adolescent Medicine?

To learn more about how your pediatrician can help you navigate the challenges of adolescence, call Drs. Kristine Liberty, Steven Kovar, and Jessica Ciszek at Kids First Pediatrics in Plainfield, IL. You can reach them in the office by calling (815) 609-5437 or (815) 609-KIDS, so call today.