Dear Parents: I have published a couple of articles in International Journals regarding the role of the pediatrician in screening and in preventing mental health disorders in young children. This week the American Academy of Pediatrics called for the need for pediatricians to take time to talk to parents and to children about their mental health. I would like to advise you to not be afraid to talk to your child's pediatrician about concerns you have about your child's mental health. It is quite common for parents to feel somewhat stressed during a visit to the pediatrician's office when their child is not well. However, during the routine check up visits, I would urge you to ask the pediatrician any questions you have regarding your child's mental health. Of course, questions and issues vary depending on your child's age, but do not assume that because your child is only 5 years old, that there is no need to discuss some issues with the doctor. In the following list, I will enlist a few topics to be covered in such visits: the list is not comprehensive, and some items may not apply to your child:

1. Eating, sleeping, and body care and regulatory areas: Is your child sleeping through the night? How do you know if your child has "normal" eating habits for her/his age? Is your child toilet trained? Are there any irregularities with your child's body functions?

2; Developmental Profile: Areas of development to check are gross motor, fine motor, speech and language (these are two different areas of communication), attention, coordination, social and emotional developments. Of course, if your child is already at school, and is having learning difficulties, you should mention to your physician, and ask for recommendations for interventions (in addition to receiving help from school).

3. There are many areas in child development that are often forgotten to be discussed with pediatricians, such as social anxiety (because it is common to be "shy" when children are young), conduct and oppositional problems at school, and lack of social skills. In addition, if you have new circumstances in your life (such as divorce, death in the family, loss of job), you should mention it to your doctor as well. Finally, it is very crucial that you inform your child's physician of any medications she/he may be taking as prescribed by another doctor, such as a psychiatrist, neurologist, or other specialist, and this includes significant changes in a child's diet as well.

4. I would like to recommend parents to make a list of questions and concerns in preparation of their visit with the pediatrician. Remember: you know your child better than anyone, and unless you raise a topic for conversation with the pediatrician, it may not be discussed. Finally, make sure that your questions and concerns are expressed with the most respect for your child, and with the privacy of your communication with the doctor as well. If you cannot speak with the doctor during a regular check-up visit, make an appointment with the pediatrician to discuss important matters before you leave the office.