Are you ready for your 14-year-old's annual physical and health screening? This exam will cover a long list of health issues, so it's smart to prepare ahead of time. Here are key points to help you both feel ready for your visit.
Key issues for 14-year-olds
- Independence. At this age, teens want to
think for themselves and make decisions on their own. It's a good sign, since young people need to build a wide range of skills before they reach adulthood. Still, the drive for teen independence can spark conflict, since kids may push hard against the rules! Listening without judgment, keeping lectures to a minimum and expressing your love helps keep the lines of communication open.
- Friends. Your teen's friend group becomes
a strong influence at this point. Knowing their friends and, whenever possible, getting to know their parents will help you see the larger picture. Your 14-year-old will need support as they learn how to navigate peer pressure and set
boundaries when friends urge them to do something they don't want to do.
- Sex. Most 14-year-olds feel curious about sex, love and desire—and some will become sexually active. It's a good time for healthy conversations about
pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs),
body autonomy and
consent. Kids who identify as
LGBTQ+ may feel even more anxiety around these topics, especially if they haven't come out to their parents. Taking a calm, non-judgmental approach shows your teen they can trust you. Hard as it might be to hear what they're saying, showing love and understanding is critical for to their health.
- Digital health. This safe, responsible use of
social media and other platforms— online gaming, video streaming and
AI, for example—is critical for teens. Creating a
family media plan can help you set healthy limits for your 14-year-old, along with rules the whole family agrees to follow.
What to expect at your 14-year-old's yearly checkup
At this age, many teens prefer to meet with the pediatrician on their own. Preparing ahead of time helps them develop a list of questions they'd like to ask. The doctor will make time for your questions and concerns, too.
Your child's doctor may ask:
How is school going for you? (Like it? Hate it? Anything you're struggling with?)
Have there been
big changes in your life lately? (Changing schools, new friends, parents separated or divorced, serious illness or death in your family, for example?)
Do you feel pretty good about yourself? Any fears or worries that won't leave you alone?
Do you have at least one adult you can rely on for love, listening and support?
Your get-ready checklist
✅ Immunizations
During this visit, your pediatrician may recommend a flu or
COVID shot. It might also be time for a
meningitis vaccine to protect your 14-year-old from serious (and potentially deadly) forms of this disease. Other immunizations might include a
Tdap booster for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). If you're
worried about vaccine risks, be sure to discuss this with your pediatrician. They can support you in making informed choices that feel right for your family.
Many 14-year-olds have already received the
human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, which protects them from certain cancers and sexually transmitted diseases. If your child skipped this vaccine earlier, talk it over with your pediatrician. Many parents worry about the vaccine's safety or the possibility they're suggesting it's okay for their teen to have sex. Learning more about the vaccine may help answer your concerns.
✅ Physical health
Your 14-year-old's checkup will include a full physical exam. Tests might include:
Lipid profile (to check for
high cholesterol)
Hearing (one routine hearing test is given between 11 and 14 years of age)
Vision (if your child has a history of vision problems)
Depending on your child's overall health, where your family lives and other factors, the doctor might also test for:
Your doctor might ask your child:
✅ Emotional and mental health
The brain and body work together to regulate your teen's health. This is why mental health is a key part of your 14-year-old's checkup. The doctor may ask your child:
Teens & pressure to lose or gain weight
Exercise is good for your teen's health! But activities like wrestling, football, gymnastics, dance, and running tend to favor certain body profiles. Teen athletes who feel pressure to lose or gain weight may go to extremes. Dangerous diets, exhausting workouts and abuse of laxatives or water pills (diuretics) are just a few examples.
Practices like these can harm your teen's body—and even hamper their athletic performance. If your teen is worried about body size or weight for any reason, talk with your pediatrician. They can recommend
healthy methods that will help your child reach their target weight.
✅ Healthy eating
Since your 14-year-old spends lots of time away from home, it's hard to know everything they're eating. But you can support their health by encouraging good choices. Healthy eating means a strong body—with the bonus of
clearer skin and
brighter smiles.
Planning meals and snacks together is a winning strategy. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and other nutritious choices will help your teen build good habits. Keep in mind that
what they drink is important, too!
Your pediatrician will ask a range of questions about diet, including a few that can help screen for signs of
disordered eating. This doesn't mean the doctor assumes your child doesn't eat well or that you don't offer proper nutrition at home. It's simply a double-check for nutrition-related mental health conditions that can do severe harm to kids' well-being if not treated in time.
The pediatrician might ask your 14-year-old:
What foods do you really enjoy?
Are there any foods you refuse to eat?
Do you skip meals sometimes? How often?
What's your favorite snack?
How much water do you drink?
Do you worry at all about your weight?
Do you like
sports drinks, sodas or coffee drinks?
Do you brush your teeth every day? What about flossing?
✅ Safety
Online. Your 14-year-old probably spends lots of time
on the web. Even with parental filters, it can be hard to know what they're seeing.
Online predators,
porn sites,
sexting and other issues pose real risks for teens. Your pediatrician may ask your child how they stay safe online and whether they've had any scary experiences.
In their body. Concerns about
sexual abuse have made it a priority to teach kids about unsafe touches from grownups and peers. This remains a key topic with your teen—but the subject should also widen to cover practical issues like
safe sex and
body autonomy. Even if your 14-year-old is not sexually active, they will benefit from healthy guidance. Skipping these subjects can send them looking for answers in unsafe places.
At home. Gun safety is essential for every family. This is why your pediatrician will ask about weapons, storage practices and other related issues. Home safety also includes preventing injuries and deaths around
swimming pools and
trampolines.
Away from home. Since teens spend so much time with friends (and away from you), make sure they know how to
prevent sunburn and stay safe
near the water. Proper use of helmets, pads, mouthguards and other sports equipment is also key.
The "I-will-pick-you-up, no-questions-asked" policy
As your 14-year-old spends more time socializing outside your home, they may need help dealing with sticky situations. Consider having a no-questions-asked policy: when your teen feels uncomfortable at a
party, school event or other meetup, promise to come get them, no questions asked. (Follow up later by telling them you're ready to
listen without lecturing.)
In discussing safety, your child's doctor may ask:
✅ After your visit: communicating with your child's doctor
Your 14-year-old's well-being is your pediatrician's top priority. When you're worried about a specific issue—from screen time to safe sex—talk with your child's doctor. If needed, they can refer you to specialists who can address the issue that worries you. They can also help you find community health resources that will benefit you, your child and your family.
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