July 14, 2025, 9:15 a.m.
Sarah Garwood, MD
As children grow into teens, one of the most important skills they can develop is the ability to speak up for their own health needs. Whether it's asking questions during a doctor's visit; recognizing when something doesn't feel quite right; or making choices about sleep, nutrition, or stress; learning to advocate for themselves is a powerful part of becoming more independent.
But just like learning to drive or managing their schedule, health advocacy is a skill that takes time, practice, and support. As a parent or caregiver, you play a key role in helping your teen build the confidence to take ownership of their well-being, both now and as they grow into adulthood.
Why it matters
Teaching teens to actively participate in their care lays the groundwork for lifelong habits. It empowers them to make informed decisions, builds their confidence in medical settings, and helps them feel more in control of their bodies and minds.
Teens who feel comfortable speaking up are more likely to ask for help when they need it, take medications correctly, and follow through with treatment plans. They're also better equipped to advocate for themselves in situations where they might otherwise stay silent, like when a doctor uses unfamiliar terms or when something doesn't feel right.
Starting small and early
You don't have to wait until high school or college to encourage self-advocacy. In fact, the earlier you start, the more natural it becomes. Begin by involving your teen in everyday conversations about their health. Ask how they're feeling, whether they've noticed any changes, or if there's anything they'd like to bring up at their next appointment.
As they get more comfortable, encourage them to answer the doctor's questions instead of deferring to you. They can also start taking small steps, like remembering to bring their inhaler to school, wearing their retainer, or telling you when they're running low on vitamins. These steps, while simple, build trust in their ability to care for themselves and lets them know you believe they're capable.
Supporting your teen during appointments
It's completely natural to want to step in during a medical visit, especially if you're used to speaking on your child's behalf. But teens need the opportunity to practice. Let them check in at the front desk, explain their symptoms to the provider, and ask any questions they have.
Many providers will offer a few minutes alone with the teen during a checkup. This isn't about excluding parents. It's about giving your child space to speak privately and build confidence in discussing more personal topics. Reassure them that it's OK to be honest and that it's a normal part of growing up.
You're still there for support, but stepping back shows your teen that you trust them and helps them learn how to trust themselves.
Guidance without taking over
Health advocacy doesn't mean handling everything alone. It means learning how to recognize when help is needed and knowing how to ask for it.
Remind your teen that it's OK to say they don't understand something, ask for more information, or request time to think through their options. Let them know that asking questions or saying “no” to something they don't feel ready for isn't difficult. It's part of being responsible for their own health.
Your role naturally shifts during the teen years. You're still their safety net, but you begin to move from being their manager to becoming more of a mentor, someone who offers advice, encourages independence, and cheers them on as they take more initiative.
Building body awareness and healthy habits
Self-advocacy also means knowing your own body and recognizing when something is off. Encourage your teen to tune in to how they feel physically, emotionally, and mentally. Are they getting enough sleep? Do they notice patterns in their mood or energy? Are they staying hydrated, managing stress, and fueling themselves with nourishing foods?
Help them track changes in things like their menstrual cycle, skin, digestion, or sleep quality, and talk about what's typical for them. The better they know their "normal," the sooner they'll recognize when something's not right, and the more confident they'll be in speaking up.
Normalize all health topics
Perhaps one of the most powerful things you can do is reinforce that all health concerns are valid. Whether it's acne, anxiety, questions about puberty, or mental health struggles, your teen needs to know there's no such thing as a weird or embarrassing topic. The more open and nonjudgmental you are, the more likely they'll come to you or their doctor when something feels off.
By creating a safe space for these conversations at home, you're helping your teen build trust in both themselves and the health care system. You're showing them that their health deserves attention, and their voice deserves to be heard.
Sarah Garwood, MD, is an adolescent medicine physician at St. Louis Children's Hospital and the division chief of Adolescent Medicine for Pediatrics at WashU Medicine. She specializes in medical conditions affecting adolescents, including eating disorders, depression, anxiety, sexually transmitted infections, and reproductive health. Dr. Garwood is consistently recognized on the Best Doctors in America list.
