10 year old speaking for herself to GP

[Rainallnight]

This is a bit random but here goes.

My 10 year old DD can speak to the GP herself about her symptoms if she’s poorly. I’m really proud I’ve encouraged her to do this and that she can do it. It’s an important life skill.

She is adopted and struggles in many areas of life.

I was wondering if all ten year olds can do this or am I justifiably impressed? 😂

Some kids are more precocious than others 🤷🏻‍♀️

Yes I think most ten year olds could do this.

Good for her but most their age can.

Mine wouldn’t have explained his symptoms immediately when he sat down but could answer questions like where it hurts, if his bowel movements are firm etc

It sounds quite normal to me. A 10 year old isn't a toddler.

I'd feel a bit patronising if I spoke for my 10 yo at the doctors.

She orders her own food in restaurants too!

Having thought about it some more, are you comparing her with how shy you were at the same age in which case I understand why you’d be impressed?

Like a pp I encouraged talking to cashiers in shops, ordering in restaurants etc

She sounds like a smart cookie. A good life skill to have developed so well by 10.

Another one to foster is talking on the telephone.

In a world of texting it's a skill that is being gradually lost over time. But it will help when applying for jobs etc.

That's good that you've encouraged her to do this, some children do grow up struggling to talk to strange adults although most would be capable at this age.

I've always found doctors make a point of asking my children directly questions since they were about 3/4 years old rather than asking me, which helps too, and I would hold back and let them try to answer first.

I really hope your post doesn't attract mean comments.Yes, you are justified in being proud of your adopted child and seeking somewhere to share it. Adopted children have often gone through so much ,however young they were when removed from their birth parent/s .
Unfortunately mumsnet might not be the place to seek this.
For the record I'm proud of my autistic DD19 and very anxious DD17 for both going to the GP alone - especially as DD17 has suffered many years of not being believed by the NHS for autoimmune conditions. Neither could speak up for themselves at 10 and needed lots of support to get here.

Plenty of 10 year olds can do this, but equally, many couldn’t, or just wouldn’t, so I think you’re quite justified to be impressed with your DD.

I think it’s great that she can do that!I have had young people in my clinic in their late teens/early twenties who look at their mum to answer questions about whether they have pain etc (also some men who let their wives answer for them!!)
so I don’t think it’s hugely unusual, but I do think it means you’ve done a great job! I’m still coaching my ten year old to do this.
Learning how to do these small
interactions is super important & I think is a learned skill not something you just know.

Maybe their parents normally talk for them?
My dad used to talk for me, made me so annoyed actually.
But my mum made up for it
And I was very capable