10 Signs Your Child Could Be In Trouble
Raising a kid comes with a lot of responsibility. The values you instill in them and the bond you share with them manifest in their behaviors as they grow up. A happy and well-behaved kid suddenly acting out can be quite scary, but there is usually an underlying cause that drives such behavior. When your kid acts out, it might be due to external factors like harassment, bullying, or abuse. Your teenage kid rebelling a little might not be a cause for concern, but there are a few telltale signs to look out for that indicate that your child could be in trouble. Scroll below to find out the 10 signs your child could be in trouble and need your help:
1. The Way They Carry Themselves
Most kids like to fit in. They dress like their friends and find joy in twinning with their clique. However, it could be a sign of abuse when they stop taking care of their appearance, skip showers, and wear dirty clothes.
2. Hunger Pangs
The most common way that kids deal with stress is by stuffing their faces with food. You might be feeding your kid in regular intervals, but if they don’t seem to stop eating, it could be a sign of trouble. Pay attention to your kid if they are overeating because it could point to a more severe problem.
3. School Woes
It’s normal for kids to want to skip going to school for a day or two. But when your child is eager to attend school even when they are sick, it could mean that they don’t like staying home because they feel unsafe. It could point to abuse or harassment.
4. Being A Bully
Bullying is a serious problem that many kids face these days. It’s important to watch out for signs that your child is being bullied, but as parents, it is equally important to ensure that your child is not being a bully and abusing other kids.
5. Age Appropriate
Kids are meant to be child-like. If your kid starts exhibiting adult-like qualities, it could mean that they are trying to take up added responsibilities for no reason. It could also mean that they are trying to gain control because they feel controlled in other aspects of their life.
6. Suspicious Behavior
Children are meant to goof up. They make a mess, get hurt, and act out. It’s normal, and it’s the textbook behavior of a child. But when your kid is suspiciously too well-behaved, it could mean that they are afraid to make a mistake.
7. Attention Seeking
Every kid loves attention. Hell, even as adults, we love attention. But if you are giving your child all the attention they need and more but still seem to want more, it could be a cry for help. Kids react differently to bullying and harassment. Always seeking attention could be a sign that they need help.
8. Road Not Taken
Does your kid take a different route to school each day and prefer to walk rather than taking the school bus? It could be a sign of bullying or abuse. It might be a delicate issue so ensure you look into it casually.
9. Fashion Revamp
The rebellious nose piercing or the crazy hair-do might be signs of an experimental teenage phase, and there might be no reason to worry. However, if your child is switching up their style too quickly too much, it could be because they are getting harassed for their clothing.
10. Sick Leave
When your kid cries to attend school because of headaches and stomach pains too often, it may be because they want to stay home to avoid an encounter with their bullies. Don’t be too hard on your kid and force them to go to school before checking if everything is okay.
Of course, these signs might not mean a thing, and it could be no reason to worry. They might just indicate children being children. However, if you have the slightest doubts that your child might be in trouble, do not ignore the signs and be sure to follow your instinct. It’s up to parents to make their kids feel safe and comfortable. Therefore, be there for them because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Do your kids show signs of trouble? Comment below and let us know.
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