A child who is under distress typically shows several warning signs that something is seriously wrong. Children may experience emotional turmoil for a variety of reasons, such as abuse, divorce, a death in the family or bullying. It's important for the adults in the child's life to be on the lookout for clues that indicate something is wrong. Here are some warning signs to watch out for.
The biggest clue that something is troubling a child is when there is a dramatic shift in behavior. This can include increased conflicts with other children or adults, neglecting responsibilities at home, or talking back to parents. Children whose parents are divorcing sometimes go through this. When divorcing parents can't come to a custody agreement, a child custody lawyer can help resolve the dispute.
Next, watch out for problems at school if you suspect a child is troubled. If a child's grades suddenly drop, that may be a warning sign that there is something wrong. Additionally, if a well-behaved child starts demonstrating inappropriate behavior at school, such as fighting, getting sent to the principal's office, or more, this may be a clue that the child is struggling with something much bigger than academics.
Children may also demonstrate a lack of interest in hobbies or extracurricular activities if they are having a tough time at home or with a bully at school. If your child suddenly shows no interest in a favorite sport or past time, it may be time to investigate and look for possible reasons why. It's essential to intervene to help your child get the right emotional support during tough times.