When your kids are young, you are the one that introduces them to the world, and shields them as they start school, make friends, and spread their wings in the world of childhood. However, there may come a time when your kids are embarrassed to talk to you about certain subjects, so it becomes important for them to have an impartial third party as a sounding board. The pediatrician or family primary care provider often fills this role.
Tough Conversations Your Child Can Have With Their Primary Care Provider
Ideally, even through the difficult teen years, you want to have a good enough relationship with your children to talk about the hot topics of adolescence. When they want privacy, however, the primary care provider is often the one who gives them the facts they need to know without the element of judgment that may creep into your discussion with them.
Sex is a likely topic that your kids may feel more comfortable talking about with their primary care provider. Many parents do not think of their children as sexual beings who are physically ready and able to engage in intimate relationships. This means that they may be uncomfortable in talking about birth control, STDs, teen pregnancy, or rape and incest.
Drugs and alcohol may be subjects your kids may not be open to discussing with you, especially if you take a hard line position that they should not experiment with drugs or drink alcohol until they are of legal age. If your kids are engaging in behavior of this type, they may need a third-party to discuss risks and side effects in a way that hits home with them. If your child already has a drug or drinking problem, the provider will help them talk to you about it so that you can arrange for help.
Bodily changes dominate the teenage years, along with mood swings. The primary care provider can explain to your child what is happening in his or her body and also take note of whether depression or moodiness is similar to what many teenagers display, or whether it is a sign of suicidal tendencies or of being overstressed with school, peer pressure, or family situations.
If a child’s growth is extreme in one direction or the other, your primary care provider may discuss the importance of proper nutrition and the negative effects of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, and obesity.
Expanding The Village For Your Child
In all cases, a trusted family primary care provider can offer information and insights to your child, and direct them toward help if he or she needs it. While there are some areas where the primary care provider cannot share information with you without permission, he can discuss many other health matters with you if your child is under 18, so that you can be the person arranging for the help your child needs.
While some parents regard the provider or any other third party as threatening, medical professionals seek to be allies in the health and welfare of your child. If you believe that it takes a village to raise a child in modern society, you will welcome the presence of a caring, approachable provider.
The staff at Raintree Medical & Chiropractic Center makes it our mission to treat all of our patients with compassion and honesty, regardless of age. For information or to schedule an appointment with our experienced, professional healthcare providers, call us today at 816-623-3020 or book an appointment online.