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Well Visit, Your Teen: Care Instructions

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Your relationship with your teen is likely going through a lot of changes. Your teen may want to skip some family activities and do more on their own. Your love, understanding, and guidance can help your teen make good decisions.

Build trust with your teen. Respect their opinions and privacy. Really listen when they want to talk.

Talk to your teen about healthy friendships. Get to know your teen's friends and their parents.

  • Set realistic rules. Talk about what will happen if rules are broken, and follow through.

  • Plan one-on-one time with your teen. Go for long walks or ride bikes, if you can. Or play games.

  • Put limits on screen time. Too much time spent on smartphones or video games may affect your teen's sleep and healthy eating habits.

  • Remind your teen to be careful online. Talk about what's safe and not safe to share online.

  • Be open to talks about sex and relationships. Tell your teen often that "If you have questions, I'm here for you."

  • Talk about gun safety. If you keep guns in your home, lock them up unloaded. Lock ammunition away from guns.

  • Seek out support if you need it. You could find a counselor for you and your teen. Ask your doctor for a referral.

  • Get help if your teen talks about suicide or self-harm. Call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). Or text HOME to 741741 to access the Crisis Text Line. Go to 988lifeline.org for more information.

  • Make sure your teen gets all the recommended vaccines. Talk to your teen's doctor if you have questions.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

Enter D594 in the search box to learn more about "Well Visit, Your Teen: Care Instructions".

The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.