Three's a crowd: most parents dominate teen's doctor visits according to a new poll, depriving youngsters of the chance to learn to manage their own health. 

Hovering parents who take over at health checkups for their teenagers may be doing more harm than good.

According to a new national poll by C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, many of teenagers’ health decisions are made by their parents alone. Only ten percent of teenagers could fill out their health history form without a parent’s assistance. Nearly 40 percent of parents polled said that they alone, not their teen, would ask questions during a doctor’s visit.

Just 15 percent of parents said that their teen would share physical or emotional problems directly with the doctor.

The report from the C.S. Mott Children’s National Poll on Children’s Health at the University of Michigan includes a nationally representative group of parents of teens 13 to 18.

However well meaning, the parental behavior may be preventing their children from growing as individuals and learning to manage their own health.

“The majority of parents are managing teens’ health care visits and their teens may be missing out on valuable opportunities to learn how to take ownership of their own health,” said Sarah J. Clark, M.P.H., associate director of the C.S. Mott Children’s National Poll on Children’s Health.

Teens should fill out their own paperwork, describe their health problems and ask questions to gain experience and confidence, Clark added. “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.”

Parents’ should should guide their teenagers rather than dominate the visits. “Parents who do everything don’t do their children any favors in this respect, since the kids will eventually have to learn to manage their healthcare on their own,” said Clark. “It’s much better for them if they learn early on how to do it, so that when they move out and move on, they’re ready.”

Four tips to help your teen at the annual check-up:

1. Encourage your teen to write down any health problems or questions they may have before an appointment.

2. When you get there, encourage them to check in and fill out any necessary forms. Offer help when they need it or wait until they ask.

3. If possible, allow your teen to go into the doctor’s office by themselves. If not, leave for a few minutes to allow your teen to ask questions they don’t feel comfortable asking in front of you.

4. During the visit, wait to talk until your teen has asked all their questions. This will give them space to take charge of their visit.

– Jenna Katz, Content That Works