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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

When do teens start going to doctors/dentist alone?

13 replies

Remotew · 08/04/2009 13:11

I'm at work today and DD has a bout of tonsilitus. A docs appointment is arranged and she is going along alone. This is the first time and I'm relieved that I don't have to leave work but feel redundant. Just wondered when others have let go in this way and did you feel slightly sad as well.

Docs and dentists are within walking distance.

OP posts:
AnyFuckerStealsHerKidsEggs · 08/04/2009 14:58

how old is she?

I still go into the consultation with my dd13 but let her do most of the talking and chip in if necessary.

Original poster
Remotew · 08/04/2009 18:30

Nearly 15. She was fine with it and it was great that I didn't have to leave work. He gave her a prescription for anti-biotics and she was able to pick it up from Boots.

OP posts:
AnyFuckerStealsHerKidsEggs · 08/04/2009 18:37

fab then, problem sorted

enjoy the freedom!

RustyBunny · 08/04/2009 18:39

DS is incredibly healthy and hasn't been to the doctor's since he was 11, as he's now 21 I doubt I'll be going with him next time he does

I last went in with DD when she had a fainting fit when she was 14, but only because she couldn't get there on her own - I left after I'd taken her in because obviously the first thing the doctor would have wanted to know was whether she could have been pregnant. She makes all her own appointments now & tbh I'm just glad I don't have to leave work.

susue · 08/04/2009 18:52

I asked the doctor when children could come on their own for an appointment and was told it was up to the child. If they were confident enough and felt at ease to go on their own then they could. They also need to be able to tell the doctor what is wrong with them and understand the answer. We have two boys that are 15 and 19 and sometimes they go on their own and sometimes they ask their Dad to go with them. THey started going on their own at about 14.

Original poster
Remotew · 08/04/2009 20:02

So its normal at around 14. Think I've been a bit precious. She's having two teeth out soon during work time. Think I will go along to the first appointment.

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 08/04/2009 20:05

i went when I was about 13 or 14, because it was near my secondary school and my mum doesn't drive, so it was easier if I had an appt during school time and just went from there.
was fine, the receptionist always looked after me! lol

themoon66 · 08/04/2009 20:08

Mine both went alone at 14 too.

DaniellaC · 08/04/2009 22:57

I'm 17 and my mum or dad normally come with me still but only because I want them to

15yearsyoung · 09/04/2009 17:11

If I hadn't have been having painful treatment done to my toes for the last year and bit, then I would have gone in on my own, but I wanted my Mum in with me as it I needed her hand to hold! Next time, if it is for something non-toe related I will go on my own.

With the dentist I went in on my own for the first time and wondered why I hadn't before as it is better, I can say what I want to the dentist, ask questions,and not fear the wrath of mum if dentist says anything bad!

scienceteacher · 09/04/2009 17:16

All five of mine go to the dentist alone - I just pop along to the last appt to get the verdict.

2shoestrodonalltheeggs · 09/04/2009 17:19

I(or dh for dentist) still go with ds(17) tbh he would be really ill if he went to the doctors or it would be to do with his ear. I would want to go as H e would never tell me what the doc said

2shoestrodonalltheeggs · 09/04/2009 17:20

15yearsyoung I will tell ds what you said and he might tell me to not go next time (hopes)

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