The Basics: Overview
Children ages 5 to 10 need to go to the doctor or nurse for a “well-child visit” once a year.
A well-child visit is when you take your child to the doctor for a full checkup to make sure he is healthy and developing normally. This is different from other visits for sickness or injury.
At a well-child visit, the doctor or nurse can help catch any problems early, when they may be easier to treat. You will also have a chance to ask any questions you may have about your child’s behavior or development.
To make the most of your child’s visit:
- Gather important information
- Make a list of questions for the doctor
- Know what to expect from the visit
What about cost?
Under the Affordable Care Act, the health care reform law passed in 2010, insurance plans must cover well-child visits. Depending on your insurance plan, your child may be able to get well-child checkups at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to learn more.
The Basics: Child Development
How do I know if my child is growing and developing on schedule?
Your child’s doctor or nurse can help you identify “developmental milestones,” the new skills that children usually develop by a certain age. This is an important part of the well-child visit.
Developmental milestones for children ages 5 to 10 include physical, learning, and social skills – things like:
- Developing skills for success in school (like listening, paying attention, reading, and math)
- Taking care of their bodies without help (like bathing, brushing teeth, and getting dressed)
- Learning from mistakes or failures and trying again
- Helping with simple chores
- Following family rules
- Developing friendships and getting along with other children
- Participating in activities like school clubs, sports teams, or music lessons
See a complete list of developmental milestones for kids who are:
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