Growing up is hard and often confusing. Your body is changing. Perhaps these changes are happening faster or slower than your friends and peers. These physical changes might concern you. You might even feel sad or angry at times. It's important for you to know that your emotions and concerns are normal.

Talking about personal matters with your family members or friends can be difficult. Remember you can always ask your parents to schedule a visit to speak with your pediatrician. You don't need to be sick or hurt to see your pediatrician.

Your pediatrician can answer questions everything from physical changes and fitness to peer pressure and family conflicts. Hopefully theses answers will help you make the right decisions for you and your health.

When you come in for your pre-teen or teen visit, your pediatrician will probably first talk with you and your parent together. Then you spend some time alone with your pediatrician. This is important because it will help you learn how to take control of your own health.

Most things you talk about with your pediatrician is confidential, meaning that the information you share will stay between you and your pediatrician. There are only a few extreme situations when your pediatrician will need to involve your parents. For example, if your or someone else's life is in danger, your pediatrician is obligated by law to get additional help.

Remember that your pediatrician is here to help.