Giving Your Child a Voice in Their Healthcare

You can prepare your child to become an informed and confident healthcare consumer. Starting at an early age, allow your child to make simple decisions about their care. For example, let them decide which arm they prefer to get their shot in, or whether they’d like to sit on your lap or in their own chair. Before your visit, encourage your child to ask any questions they have. Help them create a list and review it just before the appointment. And when their provider asks questions, allow your child to answer rather than responding yourself.

Once your child is around age 13, you can expect they’ll have part of their medical visit with you in the room, and part of it alone. Soon, they’ll be on their own for the entire appointment — both the interview and the physical exam. So encourage them to bring up any concerns, big or small. Remind them that there are no questions that their healthcare provider hasn’t heard or answered before. A few days before their appointment, remind them to think about their upcoming visit and write down any questions they have. 

When it’s time for the big transition and your child will lead their own care, equip them with essential information. Help them create a list of their major illnesses, injuries and surgeries from infancy to the present.

Be sure they have their up-to-date immunization record, a list of their current medications and a brief family health history. They’ll also need their health insurance information, plus contact information for their doctors and dentist. Be sure your teen knows how to access their health information online with their own password. They can keep their information updated and make their own appointments. Stress the importance of asking questions and taking notes. Everyone needs to be empowered to take charge of their own healthcare!