Published: June 10, 2022 | Updated: June 18, 2025
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Whether you’re new to Norton Children’s or already part of our family, we’re here to make care easier.
New to Norton Children’s?
Existing Patient
Getting ready to go back to school is a busy time for all families, no matter what grade their child is entering. Despite everything else on parents’ to-do lists, it’s important to check up on your child’s health and prioritize scheduling your child’s annual comprehensive wellness exam, also known as a “well-child checkup.”
A lot can change for a child’s health, well-being and development during a school year, and summer break is a good reminder to return to your child’s pediatrician. It’s important for the child’s health care provider to get an overall picture of their physical, social and emotional health.
Here are some of the reasons why back-to-school season is the best time for a well-child checkup.
Balancing school, home life, friends, sports and extracurricular activities is not easy for kids, no matter their age. The adolescent years often involve rapid physical and emotional development, and an annual wellness visit offers you and your child an opportunity to check in and check up on their overall health before tackling the new school year. There are more reasons to schedule a yearly back-to-school checkup:
This article was reviewed by Becky S. Carothers, M.D., pediatrician at Norton Children’s Medical Group.