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.

A vast array of often conflicting opinions, ideas and news are only a few clicks of the button away in this Information Age. All too often, violence and dangerous behaviors are given flattering and undeserved attentions by the media. Many parents are rightly concerned about the availability of drugs, alcohol and other harmful choices that their children are exposed to at this trying age.

It seems that cases of adolescent depression, drug or alcohol dependency, and other mental health issues in both teenagers and pre-teens are becoming increasingly common. During this time, independence is strongly desired, yet coping skills and judgment are still developing. Many parents find it hard to tell whether a certain behavior is normal for this age group, or if it necessitates the assistance of a mental health professional to resolve potentially major problems.

Major events in the young person’s life often trigger such problems. These can include relationship problems, the death of a loved one, divorce, serious injury to the adolescent themselves or a family member or friend, or a national tragedy. It is critical that parents pay attention to any changes in their child’s behavior, especially during and following such events. Here are a few behaviors to watch for that may indicate a need to call on a professional:

1. Increased secrecy and defensiveness. It is not unusual for teens and pre-teens to desire a large measure of privacy, but if a kid suddenly starts locking their door and takes a long time to answer when the parent knocks, this could indicate a problem.

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 the body.

5. Being exceptionally defiant toward parents or other authority figures, frequently missing curfew, chronic lateness or lying about plans and locations.

6. A sudden alteration in friends, particularly if the young person doesn’t bring new friends home so parents can get to know them. Changes in behavior, attitude and clothing at the same time may be another 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.

While these aren’t the only warning signs, they are a reasonable place to start. Parents know their children better than everyone else, and every child is different. Some of these behaviors may be more “normal” for a given teen than others; the critical thing is for parents to be aware of their adolescents’ immediate worlds and notice any behavior changes. If parents suspect a serious problem, they should trust their gut and contact a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional.

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.

If you live in the South Orange County area and are worried about your teen or pre-teen’s behavior, contact Professional Psychology. They provide interactive, solution-based therapy with compassion and understanding, specializing in family and parenting issues as well as adolescent concerns. This article powered by SEO 2.0 Services