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

Yeap. Loads of kids do.
I did as a 9 year old. I ended up going into the medical field.

Mine would have answered questions. My DD is very shy and I have been guilty of speaking for her at times, but now at 18 she has started to go alone but if something needs pushing, then I go as she won’t do that. Its definitely a good thing to encourage. DD had a blood transfusion at 12 due first period from hell and was definitely able to articulate her symptoms etc by then, and wasn’t embarrassed which was good given the nature of them.

Yup. My daughter has a life long chronic illness diagnosed at 7. We encouraged her from the start to be active in medical appointments and answer questions directly. She was talking to her consultant and taking ownership of medical conversations for quite early on She will need to all her life and I am a big fan of encouraging children to advocate for themselves.

It’s a good thing and not precocious as someone rudely suggested upthread.

It just depends on the kids personality some kids are shy and struggle to talk to strangers other kids are more confident and have no problem talking to strangers.

Justifiably impressed! I am too!

My 13 year old daughter (although she is autistic) would never! 😂

My nearly 21 year old son was about 17 before he began doing things like going to the GP alone 😂

My husband works a patient facing role and often gets people in their early twenties come in with their parents to talk on their behalf

Mine would comfortably do that, but if it’s an achievement for her great.

I would expect any 10 year old to be able to do unless there is SEN involved.
My 10 year old collapsed in the kitchen, he had to speak to the 111 caller when I phoned them when he came around as they wanted to speak to him directly, then he had to speak to the paramedic who phoned us back, the out of hours GP etc
You should be proud of her because she has her struggles and is still able to advocate for herself but I don’t think she’s being precocious as someone has suggested

I don’t think I ever saw a GP until I was about 14.

Yeah my son could explain his long term health issue to an unfamiliar doctor aged about 7. I felt it was important to empower him to understand (as much as he could given his age) and be able to advocate for himself.

but well done to your child.

You should be proud OP mine are teens and will speak to the doctor but hate it and want me to come with them. They wouldn't have done it at 10.