There are times when a child needs more than just ‘quality time’ to get to the root of their distractions and troubles. Parents often make excuses that they’re it’s just them ‘growing up’, and that’s a common excuse for teenagers who possibly pick-up their odd behavior from their peers. There is also the stigma that therapy is only meant for kids with psychological problems, or have the potential to be a so-called psychopath.
However, that’s not necessarily the case. Every parent only years of a physically and mentally healthy child, and they often hold on to that thought for a little too long. The trick is to look for actual problems and addictions to unhealthy lifestyles. Here’s a few common signs that your child might need counseling and therapy.
1. You Child Acts Out
If you the teachers at your child’s school begins complaining that your child is having trouble concentrating, is restless and often finds means to get distracted, and you find that he/she reacts the same way at home, you may not want to immediately assume that it’s ADHD. Perhaps he does so because your child isn’t getting enough attention due to a stress related in his/her life. If your child recently endured a certain experience like divorce, or even loss, it may just be a cry for help.
2. Your Child is Obsessed With Video Games
When a child can’t seem to have withdrawal symptoms with video games, you may just have a big problem there. Video games can not only be addictive but it could be a way for your child to protest or even avoid some feelings like fear, anger or resentment. Perhaps your child is not getting enough attention from one of the parents, and seeks leisure and comfort from video games. If your child can seem to go one day without it, you need to plug it out, and get a counsellor’s help.
3. Your Angel is a Terror
While your two year-old certainly looks cute in those socks and bonnet, she might actually just be a little monster inside, refusing to eat, sleep or mostly cry..all the time. Parents may feel that it could be a matter of their attitude, but it may actually be a matter of Conduct Disorder, where the child pretty much ‘wages wars’ against their parents from anything to anything. Ignoring this may lead to a fairly destructive teenage and adulthood, so be warned.
4. Your Child is Disgusted By Food
Teenage girls, especially go through the pressure of being ‘beautiful’ more often than boys. If you find your daughter refusing to eat, disliking her food, or if you notice a drastic level of weight-loss, your child could be suffering from an eating disorder. This is also a problem if your daughter seems to gorge food down her throat when she’s having a bad day. Whether it’s overeating, or bulimia, this is a serious problem that needs to attention as it can have very dangerous affects on your daughter.
5. Your Child Takes Drugs
Substance abuse is a serious problem among youths. Especially through peer pressure, your child feels the obliged to try drugs and alcohol to fit in. All you need to know is to notice a change in their moods, friends, behavior, and sometimes the way they maintain themselves. Be aware of the various drugs circulating, and get other parents involved in your child’s life too. If you’re child is beginning to experiment with more drugs and rebelling, and even going as far as to stealing money, an intervention is needed.
