Adolescence is a complicated stage, both for adolescents themselves and for their parents, who must help their children in the transition to adult life. Among the challenges that this entails, is establishing a time to go out, explaining certain aspects related to their development and clarifying when they are ready to do certain things alone, such as going on vacation with their friends or going to the doctor without an adult accompanying them. .
Taking your children to the doctor is one more responsibility on the long list of being parents, but there comes a time when adolescents are ready to go to the doctor's office alone. Although taking this step may give parents or guardians respect, and it may even be overwhelming for the minor himself, the truth is that going to the doctor alone has many benefits that we should not overlook.
Dr. Suanne Kowal-Connelly publishes an article on the American Academy of Pediatrics website, where she explains the reasons why adolescents should go to the doctor's office alone. In the first place, she notes that it is positive that the parents are present in the first part of the consultation, which consists of asking questions about the minor's medical history, the medication that she may take regularly, allergies, etc.
However, Kowal-Connelly emphasizes that at the time of the physical examination it is best for the adolescent to be left alone with the pediatrician. This is so because, for years, the pediatrician has built the relationship with the parent and the developing adolescent, but not with the adolescent alone. “The goals of the pediatric health care relationship include guiding and protecting the health and well-being of your adolescent, as well as preparing them for their health care experience as an adult,” the article states, adding that “in this In this way, we bridge the gap and pave the way for your teen to confidently and independently enter the world of adult health care.”
The goal of families is to prepare adolescents for the independence and responsibilities of adult life, and this involves, among many other things, medical care. “Parents and pediatricians can partner in this effort to help children and adolescents successfully manage themselves,” notes Dr. Kowal-Connelly.
In addition, she adds that “adolescents are naturally more open to certain topics when parents are not around simply because they may not want to disappoint or alarm their parents, even if they just have questions. At times, an adolescent may have a very stressful and serious life situation that needs to be addressed and requires privacy and confidentiality. This guaranteed one-on-one time with the pediatrician will allow and reassure the adolescent that they will always have an opportunity to talk about pressing issues.”
