Parents make sure that their children get to have regular wellness checks. However, a new survey reveals that they need to make the most of them.
According to experts, while having children go through their regular wellness check-ups is good, it will be much better if parents are prepared during these visits to the doctor. And being prepared means putting together a list of questions to ask the pediatrician ahead of time.
A national poll on children's health by C.S. Mott Children's Hospital of the University of Michigan - "Making the Most of Well Visits," revealed that only 25 percent of parents "often" prepare questions beforehand to ask their pediatrician, 54 percent "sometimes" do and 21 percent "never" do.
"Clearly there are some things parents could do both to get more benefit and to make it easier on the provider to focus on places where parents have questions or concerns. A lot of parents aren't doing the preparatory work to get answers to things they worry about," co-director of the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, Sarah Clark, expressed.
List down all concerns
A staff pediatrician at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Maureen Ahmann, could not agree more with Clark, stating that preparing a list of questions can be helpful for both parents and their children's providers. She encouraged parents to write down any concerns or questions that will arise in everyday life on their smartphone's notes section, which is more accessible and easier than taking out a pen and a notebook each time.
Dr. Edith Bracho Sanchez, an assistant professor of pediatrics at the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, added that when there are comments about the children coming from their teachers, babysitters, or family members, parents need to open them up to their pediatricians.
She further said they would love to reassure parents if they are worried about something or tell them the right thing to do. Bracho Sanchez finds this essential, especially in this current generation of modern parenting where parents usually compare their kids to the children of the latest social media influencers and feel like a failure every time, as Very Well Family described.
Parents who are unsure of what questions to ask could start with the usual topic, such as healthy eating habits, extracurricular activities, safety concerns, and developmental milestones, Ahman suggested.
Questions pediatricians love to hear
Here is a list of questions from Bracho Sanchez that she is always glad to hear from parents when they visit for wellness checks, gathered by Today.
1. What should I be doing next?
The doctor said she loves it whenever parents ask her about stimulation of development in different aspects like speech and walking. Pediatricians know that parenting is hard and so they want to be as helpful and present as possible to the parents.
2. Could you give me some ideas about what I can feed my child?
Pediatricians also know that feeding kids, and making food appealing to kids, is a big part of parenting. Thus, they are always willing to provide practical and creative ways to give children healthy meals.
3. Do you have tips for optimizing my family's sleep?
Bracho Sanchez would like to remind parents that their rest and that of the whole family depend on the children sleeping. Well-rested parents can parent better. Thus, pediatricians understand how important it is for parents to know how to optimize sleep for their kids.
4. Are there things I should bring up with my child's teacher?
Bracho Sanchez explained that teachers are important members of the team whose aim is to ensure that the children are healthy and thriving. Thus, they should be welcomed in the circle. She said it is safe for parents to allow their pediatricians to facilitate conversations between them and the teachers.
5. Why should I give the COVID-19 vaccination to my child?
The doctor emphasized that there are no too small or too big questions to ask or too silly. Whatever the fears or worries of the parents are, they can be honest and ask their pediatrician. And if they don't know the answer, they can always connect parents to an expert who can.
