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? 😂

My child struggles in that situation cos it's a new person she doesn't know
So actually no she wouldn't talk for herself
Even now at 12
I always look to her to answer questions about her and give her chance but she's not confident/shy so doesn't say anything in this situation and looks to me

Emojis aren't in a dictionary.

Don't want to shit on OPs parade but you'll do it anyway.

OP ignore the people who think children can do this by 12 weeks old.

It's amazing that your child can do this. I've taught this age group and the vast majority wouldn't have been able to do this confidently or accurately without a lot of support. Your child sounds like they're doing great.

Yes, I have always encouraged this. As soon as they could talk I have said something like "tell the doctor the reason we have come to see them" and then I elaborate on anything they may have missed. My 12 year old seems to have regressed a bit recently as a surley tween and doesn't like to talk to strangers he used to though.

My DD has regular asthma reviews and the Dr always speaks to her (she's been having these since she was about 8) obviously I'm able to confirm / add anything and I attend every appointment etc but the appointment is usually 90% between DD and Dr.

I have a younger child with a rare genetic condition and HCP's always direct certain questions to her - even before she was fully verbal. She also has eye issues so sees a specialist eye doctors and they can only go by what she tells them! I'm so impressed with how they manage to do eye tests for non verbal kids (DD is fully verbal now but needed glasses from a young age and obviously I couldn't help with the eye test itself as they needed her input not mine)

I'm just surprised by posters who don't think it's normal for a 10 year old to describe their symptoms to the dr.

DD’s GP used to ask her first at that age about what was wrong, and then ask me to confirm and add anything else relevant. She was/is a very good family GP.

(Mine is different as I go to a city centre GP that I can visit at my lunch break from work and who is very no-nonsense with adults).

It is great when you get ones who allow DC to learn to advocate for themselves. Especially as my DD is now a young adult and had a sudden onset but very very serious illness in the past year, where she has had to advocate for herself overseas, and also solo in hospital (when DH or I were not there) after she had lost her speech. So it was really good that she was able to do it for herself. She happily allows us to help when we are there, but she is in charge!

Yes, I would expect this of a ten year old. Usually gps do speak directly to children. They always have to mine anyway