Ask These Questions at Your Child's Next Developmental Assessment

As your child grows, you probably wonder if they’re growing and developing at the rate they should be. Maybe your neighbor's child is talking earlier than your child. Does that mean your child is delayed or has a learning issue? Probably not. Every child develops at a different rate. 

Developmental screenings are formal evaluations that your pediatrician conducts at 9, 18, and 30 months old. At Sima Stein, MD, in San Jose, California, experienced pediatrician Dr. Stein conducts ongoing developmental assessments at every annual well-child visit or when a parent with a concern requests them, in addition to appropriate formal evaluations. 

Your child’s annual exam is a great time for you to ask questions about your child's behavior, development, growth, learning abilities, and emotional well-being. You'll most likely have questions related to appropriate development at every age, but here are a few general ones to ask:

Is my child's weight appropriate?

You may be alarmed if your child is thin or if they've put on a lot of weight in one year. However, it's normal for a child to gain about five pounds a year from ages 2 to 5 and then 5-10 pounds a year after that. Children tend to gain more weight or store fat around the time of puberty as your child's body gears up for the big changes. 

If your child is gaining too much or too little weight, Dr. Stein can make helpful diet and exercise recommendations to get your child back on track. 

What are the warning signs for anxiety and depression?

Unfortunately, anxiety and depression rates have risen to alarming rates for adolescents. Learning the signs to look out for can help detect mental health issues that could be negatively affecting your child. Dr. Stein can recommend therapists or other specialists who can treat your child and provide them with coping skills that can help them throughout their lives.

How can I keep my child safe?

There are numerous ways your child can hurt or harm themselves, physically and mentally. Dr. Stein can address your specific worries, such as safety concerns regarding their certain activities, media use, and other social issues. 

What's an appropriate amount of screen time for my child, and how can I get my child to stick to that limit?

Most kids spend too many hours a day online. According to the Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, children ages 8-12 spend about 4-6 hours online, and teenagers are glued to their screens for up to 9 hours daily! Dr. Stein can advise you on appropriate limits for your child regarding screen time, as well as appropriate content and guidelines.

Is it time to set up your next well-child visit? The best time is now before school starts in the fall. Click here to make an appointment.