If, like many parents, you find yourself struggling to offer your teenage children the independence they often crave, you may decide to change your approach on account of results obtained during a recent study.
According to research conducted at the University of Michigan, parents who insist on handling their teenage children’s affairs with regards healthcare are potentially limiting their child’s ability to care from themselves.
The study, which polled more than 1,500 parents of teenage children, ascertained that a whopping 89% attended the doctor with their child while two-thirds admitted they tended to their child’s healthcare paperwork as they did not believe their child was capable.
In an effort to gain an insight into the dynamic at play during an actual appointment, researchers learned that 95% of parents asked questions on behalf of their child while the medical issues at hand became a discussion point between the practitioner, patient and parent.
According to the figures, 56% of parents said emotional and behavioural health problems were discussed with both parent and child while 64 percent asserted the same for physical health issues.
Commenting on the approach, Sarah Clark, associate director of the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, urged parents to consider the implications of their participation in such an arena.
“Having teens take the lead in responsibilities like filling out their own paperwork, describing their health problems, and asking questions during adolescence helps them gain experience and confidence in managing their health,” she explained.
Elaborating further still, Sarah honed in on an issue which some parents may find difficult to consider as their child navigates adolescence and puberty.
“Speaking with the doctor privately is important, not only to give teens a chance to disclose confidential information, but also to provide the opportunity for them to be an active participant in their own health care, without a parent taking over.”
While researchers acknowledge the importance of a parents’ participation in all aspects of their child’s life, they suggest affording teenage children the opportunity to speak with a GP in confidence if necessary, tend to their own forms and compile a list of potential questions should they need further clarification at any point.
