Signs of a Troubled Child

There are behavioral signs that indicate a troubled child may need intervention to deal with depression, suicide or future violent acts to himself or others. Many times parents or caregivers closest to the child do not recognize the early warning signs of a troubled child. Adult caregivers should pay attention to the child and determine whether his behavior has changed dramatically in the past several months or year. Usually a child will display more than one of several warning signs.

  1. Socially Withdrawn

    • Socially withdrawing and becoming a loner could mean your child is troubled. If the child used to have friends and interacted well with other children, and then suddenly does not, pay attention, as this may be a warning sign. In some cases you may notice sadness, depression or a lack of confidence as part of her withdrawal. Along with social withdrawal, your child may complain of the feeling of rejection by her peers.

    Secrecy

    • If your child or teen begins to keep secrets and wants a lot more privacy, you may want to observe and figure out why. As children enter their teenage years, it is normal to want more privacy, but extreme secrecy could be an indication that your child is troubled, or possibly getting into trouble.

    Violent Behavior

    • Acts of violence or aggression are a sign that a child is troubled. Sudden outbursts of anger and aggression toward siblings, friends, schoolmates or parents is a clue that the child is having trouble. Hitting, bullying and intimidating others continually may indicate that they are having a problem. Sometimes a child will write stories or draw pictures of violent acts or behavior; this too is an indication that something is wrong.

    Hurting Self

    • Mutilating or hurting his own body is an indication the child is troubled. Self-destructive behavior such as getting bad grades, drinking, drug abuse or irrational behavior is a sign of a troubled child. Acting out sexually or displaying sexual behavior he had not shown before may also be an indication that the child is troubled.

    Destructive

    • Destruction of property or hurting animals is a warning sign that a child is troubled. A child who begins to break things, including vandalism to public property, is calling out for help.

    Changing Friends

    • Changing groups of friends, particularly if the new friends are part of a gang, is an indicator that a child is having trouble. A change of appearance, including clothing, hair, body piercing and tattoos, may be a sign that your child is having difficulties.

    Stealing

    • Stealing money from you, a sibling or anyone else is a sign of a troubled child. Shoplifting can indicate the child is troubled.

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