Is it time to schedule your 11-year-old's annual physical and health screening? This exam will cover a wide range of physical and mental health issues. Here are key points to help you and your child feel prepared.
Key issues for 11-year-olds
- Puberty & body image. Kids' bodies grow and change quickly at this age. Females might see breasts developing, and some may experience their first menstrual period. Males might notice that their testicles are larger now. Other changes might include body hair in new places, worries about body odors—and for some, fears about
how they look. It's a time that calls for sensitivity and support.
- Advanced thinking. Your 11-year-old's brain has grown dramatically since birth. It's now about 95% of its adult size! Tweens may still think in concrete, black-and-white terms, but they're beginning to apply more logic and understand social cues better. They may enjoy talking about values as they begin to develop a personal sense of right and wrong.
- Social life, including social media. Kids this age may belong to defined friend groups, with some hanging out with peers from multiple groups or grades. Curiosity about
sex,
drugs, alcohol and other adult topics might tempt your child to start experimenting.
Social media can add heat to these issues and expose your child to adult content. It's time to
set clear rules around digital media and maintain an open conversation about safe choices.
What to expect at your 11-year-old's yearly checkup
At this age, your 11-year-old might prefer meeting with the doctor on their own. This offers them the chance to ask questions that might be a little more awkward with you in the room. (Don't worry—the doctor will give you time to ask your own questions and express any concerns.) Showing you're okay with your child's preference communicates trust and respect.
The doctor may ask your child:
How are things at school?
What about home? Are things mostly good with your family?
Any
big changes lately? (New sibling, new home or school, separation or divorce, loss of a parent or grandparent or other big transition?)
How much physical activity do you get?
What do you usually eat? Any foods you don't like?
Do you mostly feel good about yourself? Any fears or worries that won't go away?
Pro tip: If your child tends to avoid tough topics, talk with your pediatrician about ways to open healthy conversations.
Research shows that kids benefit from their parents' input, even when they seem tuned out.
Your get-ready checklist
✅ Immunizations
During this visit your child's doctor might recommend a
flu shot. It's also time to talk about
human papillomavirus (HPV), which raises your child's risks for certain sexually transmitted diseases, including cancers. If your child has already had one HPV shot, it might be time for the second one. If you're worried about these immunizations—or you assume this means giving your child permission to have sex—be sure to raise these concerns with your pediatrician.
Your 11-year-old may receive booster shots for serious diseases like
diphtheria, tetanus,
polio and more. The doctor will go over your child's immunization history and provide vaccine updates as needed. If you're
worried about immunization risks, talk openly with your pediatrician. They can share insights and options that can help you make informed choices.
✅ Physical health
Your 11-year-old's checkup will include a full physical exam. Tests might include:
Lipid profile (to look for signs of
high cholesterol)
Hearing (one routine hearing test is given between 11 and 14 years of age)
Vision (if your child has a history of vision problems)
Depending on your child's overall health, where your family lives and other factors, the doctor may test for:
Your doctor might ask your child:
✅ Emotional and mental health
Since the brain and body are one integrated system, your 11-year-old's mental health will be part of this exam. Their doctor may ask about family, school and community, touching on any experiences that make your child feel threatened, discouraged or insecure.
Your pediatrician might ask questions like these:
Did you know?
In the U.S., at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys will endure sexual abuse. This form of trauma can lead to serious health issues such as depression, sleep problems, PTSD, low self-esteem and more. To prevent abuse, help your 11-year-old develop a strong sense of
body autonomy. Emphasize that they have the right to say no to anyone—a grownup, a friend, a relative or a stranger—and to tell what happened afterward.
✅ Healthy eating
Your 11-year-old spends lots of time away from home, so you probably don't see everything they eat. Now's the time to help them make good choices on their own. Discuss the role of good nutrition in keeping their skin clear, their smiles bright and their bodies strong. Include them in meal and snack planning that includes plenty of fruits, veggies, lean proteins, whole grains and other sources of key nutrients. Don't forget what they drink, which matters too!
In discussing diet, your pediatrician will ask a range of questions—some aimed at uncovering possible signs of
disordered eating. It's important to tackle eating issues early so your child can get the help they need.
What are some of your favorite foods?
Are there any foods you refuse to eat?
Do you eat vegetables and fruits every day?
Do you sometimes skip meals? How often?
How much water do you drink?
What about
sports drinks, sodas or coffee drinks?
Do you brush your teeth every day? What about flossing?
✅ Safety
Online. Your 11-year-old probably navigates the web with ease—and just like their diet, you won't always see what they're consuming. Issues like
pornography,
online bullying and
too much screen time often emerge in the tween years. Your pediatrician may ask about online experiences and whether they've seen anything that made them feel unsafe.
In their body. Over the years you've helped your child learn about
safe and unsafe touching. Now you'll need to reinforce these lessons while opening healthy conversations about sex. It isn't too soon to begin talking about pregnancy risks,
sexually transmitted infections and
sexting. Starting these conversations early does not mean your child will assume you're encouraging them to have sex. But staying silent leaves them more vulnerable, since curiosity may force them to seek answers from sources that aren't safe or accurate.
At home.
Gun safety is essential for all families. If you have guns at home, make sure your child knows and follows every rule about storage of guns and ammunition. If you have a home
swimming pool or
trampoline, stand strong in enforcing rules that prevent injuries and deaths.
Away from home. Since 11-year-olds usually spend plenty of time outdoors, they need to know about
sun and
water safety. As they start to socialize away from home more often, they may find themselves in tricky situations. Consider offering a no-questions-asked policy: whenever they feel uncomfortable, you'll pick them up, no questions asked. (Follow up later by signaling you're ready to listen and support them.)
On the topic of safety, your child's doctor may ask:
Have you been
bullied online or at school?
Have you ever
had to say "no" to drugs or alcohol when you're out with friends?
Any concerns about
staying safe in sports or other activities?
Are you curious about sex? Can you comfortably talk with your parents about it?
Do you feel confident doing what's right for you, even if it's hard sometimes?
✅ After your visit: communicating with your child's doctor
Your child's health is your pediatrician's top priority. When you're concerned about a specific issue—from bumps and bruises to social media—talk with your child's doctor. If needed, they can refer you to specialists that focus on the issue that worries you. They can also help you find community health resources that will benefit you, your child and your family.
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