Your Checkup Checklist: 10 Years Old

Ready to schedule your 10-year-old's annual checkup? This exam will cover a lot of ground, so it's good to plan ahead. Here are key points to consider as you and your child prepare to meet with the pediatrician.

Key issues for 10-year-olds

Puberty. Around age 10, female children may notice their breasts beginning to develop as their bodies prepare for their first menstrual period (usually around age 12 to 14). Males may see their testicles changing, though puberty for males usually arrives between 11 to 14 years of age. Your child may crave privacy or show signs that they feel awkward about their body, signaling the need for open conversations about what's happening.

Peers. As a "tween," kids this age are making their journey from childhood toward adolescence. It may seem that they pay more attention to what their friends say than what their parents do. It's normal—just part of your child's desire for the independence they'll need as grownups. Look for signs that they are developing empathy for others' feelings and encourage them to consider multiple points of view.

Success. By now, your child has probably felt the pressure of competition in school, sports and community activities. This is a good time to help them handle issues like envy, performance anxiety and the desire to be perfect, especially on social media.

What to expect at your 10-year-old's yearly checkup

Some 10-year-olds will prefer to meet with the doctor on their own. This gives them the chance to ask questions they might not have discussed with you—or hear different perspectives on topics you've covered. Keep in mind that you'll still have a chance to talk with the pediatrician about your own concerns. Feeling comfortable with a 1-on-1 conversation shows you trust your child and respect their independence.

Your child's doctor may want to know:

• How your child is doing in school

• How much daily exercise they get

• What they usually eat and drink—and what they skip

• How they feel about siblings, parents and other family members

• How they feel about their friend group
  

If there are topics you've had a hard time discussing with your child, ask your pediatrician for tips. Research shows that kids want their parents to talk with them about tough subjects, even if things feel awkward at first.

Your get-ready checklist

✅ Immunizations

At 10 years old, your child's doctor may recommend a flu shot. If your child has already had one dose of the human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization, a second one may be given. This is a good time to ask about HPV immunity and why these early shots make sense.

Your 10-year-old has likely received booster shots for serious diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, polio and more. The doctor will review your child's immunization history and provide boosters as needed. (Boosters can be given at any point, even if years have passed since the last one.)

Preparation tip: Find out what immunizations are needed for school registration, sports and other activities. Your child's care team can provide copies of your child's records as needed.

✅ Physical health

Your 10-year-old's checkup will include a full physical exam. This may include vision and hearing screenings if earlier exams showed eyesight or hearing concerns. Other screenings might look for:

• Anemia (low levels of iron in the blood)

• Toxic levels of lead

• Tuberculosis

• Safe fluoride levels that prevent cavities

• Lipid screening to check your child's cholesterol levels (if not done at the 9-year-old checkup)
  

Your doctor might ask questions like these:

• Have you been to the ER since your last visit?

• Do you get at least 60 minutes of exercise a day?

• How much screen time do you get? Any problems stepping away from screens?

• Do you smoke or vape? Have you tried alcohol or drugs?

• How much sleep do you get? Any problems falling or staying asleep?

• Do you know how to handle emergencies if your parents aren't around?
  

✅ Emotional and mental health

Since the brain and body are deeply connected, your 10-year-old's mental health will be part of this exam. Their doctor may ask about school experiences, family support and any issues or experiences that make your child feel nervous, threatened or out-of-place.

Your pediatrician might ask:

• Do you sometimes feel sad or helpless? How often does that happen?

• Are you ever so nervous or scared that you can't focus or relax?

• Do you feel safe at school and in your neighborhood?

• Do you sometimes feel so angry you don't know how to deal with it?

• Have you ever felt bullied or threatened by anyone?

✅ Healthy eating

Your 10-year-old's growing independence means you won't see everything they consume. Your best strategy is to remind them of the link between good nutrition and good health. Help them learn the basics of nutrition now by setting a good example at home. Pro tip: get your child's help in planning healthy family meals that everyone can enjoy.

If your child eats breakfast, snacks and lunch at school, find out what the cafeteria offers (and what's in vending machines). If you pack lunches and snacks, talk with your child about healthy options.

In discussing nutrition, your pediatrician may ask:

• What are some of your favorite foods? Least favorites?

• Any food allergies or sensitivities?

• Do you eat vegetables and fruits every day?

• Do you take vitamins?

• Do you make your own meals and snacks? How often?

• Do you brush your teeth every day? What about flossing?
  

✅ Safety

Online. Your 10-year-old may navigate the web like a pro, but they're still vulnerable to concerns like pornography, online bullying and too much screen time. Finding a way to monitor your child's digital habits can be challenging, but it's necessary for their well-being.

With their body. By now, you have helped your child learn what kinds of touches are safe and which are not. It's also time to talk about sex, how their bodies are changing and what they can expect going forward. Remind your 10-year-old that you're open to all questions, even the ones that feel weird or embarrassing at first.

At home. Gun safety is a crucial issue for families with firearms. Make sure your child knows and follows your rules to the letter. Other key safety issues might involve swimming pools, trampolines or the impact of too much screen time on mental and physical health.

Away from home. This means any space your child feels unsafe or uncomfortable. By this time, you've probably coached your child to call for a ride—no questions asked—when they need to get away from a threatening situation. (Later on, offer a friendly, shame-free conversation about what happened.) Your pediatrician may have more tips for maintaining open communication about safety and personal boundaries.

On the topic of safety, your child's doctor could ask:

• Have you been bullied online or at school?

• Ever have an adult touch you in a way that seemed wrong?

• Do you have a strategy for staying safe when you're out with friends?
  

✅ After your visit: communicating with your child's doctor

Your child's health is your pediatrician's top priority. Whenever you're worried about a specific issue—from school to sexuality—talk with your child's doctor. If appropriate, they can refer you to specialists that focus on your area of concern. They can also help you find community health resources that will benefit you, your child and your family.

More resources

• Sex, gender identity and puberty: helpful insights for families

• Does your child feel confident in the world? Tips for building self-esteem

• Can parents prevent underage drinking?

• How to talk about sexting with your child
  

• Kids hear you, even if it seems like they're tuning you out