In a developmental stage marked by intense physical, emotional, and intellectual changes, it's no surprise that adolescence often causes confusion and upheaval for the parent as well as the young person. The transitional period from child to adult is a difficult time for most, and the complexity of the modern world can serve to complicate the process.
In this Information Age, a vast array of news, opinions and ideas are only a few clicks of the mouse or remote away. Violence and dangerous behaviors are all too often glamorized by the media. Many parents worry about the ready availability of drugs, alcohol and other harmful choices that their teens and tweens are exposed to.
It is becoming increasingly common to hear about cases of adolescent depression, drug or alcohol dependency, and other mental health issues in both teenagers and pre-teens. At an age where independence is greatly sought after, yet coping skills and judgment are still developing, it can be challenging for parents to determine when behaviors for this life stage are normal, or when they may require the guidance of a mental health professional to resolve potentially serious issues.
A trigger for such problems is often a major life event. These can include the death of a loved one, divorce, problems or issues in friendships or romantic relationships, serious injury to the adolescent themselves or a family member or friend, or a national tragedy. Particularly following such events, it is important for parents to notice any changes in their child's behavior. Here are a few behaviors to look for that may indicate a need to consult a professional:
1. An increase in secrecy and defensiveness. While it is common for kids of this age to desire additional privacy, it may warrant concern if the adolescent suddenly begins to lock his or her bedroom door and takes more time than expected to answer the door when the parent knocks.
2. Stealing money from a parent's purse or wallet. While the theft itself is a serious issue, needing additional money could point to a drug habit or other problem as well.
3. Unexpected or extreme mood swings, moving from elation to outbursts of anger that are disproportional to whatever triggered the anger.
4. Unexplained cuts on his or her body.
5. Open defiance toward parents or other authority figures, routinely missing curfew, chronic lateness or habitual lying about plans and whereabouts.
6. A sudden change in friends, especially if the child doesn't bring new friends home so the parents can meet them. Coinciding changes in behavior, attitude and clothing preferences are additional reason for concern.
7. A significant drop in school performance and a loss of interest in activities that the teen or pre-teen used to enjoy.
These aren't the only warning signs, but they're a good starting place. Every child is different, and parents know their children better than anyone else. Some of these behaviors may be more "normal" for a given teen than others; the most important thing is for parents to remain sensitive to their adolescents' immediate worlds and be alert to any behavior changes. The bottom line is that parents should trust their gut and consult with a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional if they suspect a serious problem.
Keeping the lines of communication open is critical to fostering a healthy relationship at any age. A trained professional can greatly assist both parents and adolescents in improving communication skills and strengthening family bonds during this challenging phase.
In Orange County, CA, if you are concerned about your pre-teen or teen's behavior, contact http://www.southoccounseling.com. They specialize in interactive, solution-based therapy for adolescents and family/parenting issues. Powered by http://seo-search-engine-optimization.netbiz.com
