IOW blogger

If you notice your child:

• Spending long periods of time alone in their room and appear to be withdrawn
• Struggling with their confidence
• Giving up activities that they used to enjoy
• Cause arguments to avoid events
• Avoiding conversation
• Becoming negative in everything they say

Then your child could be unhappy. This can lead to depression and affect them as they grow into adults and can affect any child even from under the age of ten through to their teenage years. As parents we should be picking up on the signs of a change in their behaviour and acting upon it. Here are some of things we can do to help and encourage your child:

• Get them out and about. Teenagers who exercise regularly are far more likely to have good levels of self esteem.
• Tell your child that you love them and believe in what they do. This will motivate them in life.
• Eat around the table as a family and even decide as a family what should be for dinner and of course making it healthy as possible.
• Communicate and show them that you are interested in what they are doing.
• Be as open as you can and explain things if they ask. Don’t patronise them.

Perhaps things might be a bit more serious your child could be experiencing;

• bullying at school and are truanting
• self harming
• losing weight
• gaining weight
• developing an eating disorder
• or involved in taking drugs

If any of these apply to your own child then try to be calm and patient. Reassure them that you want to help them and you are there for them. It may prove to be difficult as they may lash out and if that is the case, it would be time to ask for support from their teacher at school and seek medical advice from their GP. Addressing their behaviour is the first step. The process ahead could be a long painful one in which you will be challenged as a parent. The most important thing is that you show support to you child throughout.

A happy childhood equals a happy family. If you can, get them out to participate in group activities and allow them to mix with others. Try and spend us much time with them as you can and teach them the ways of life which will encourage them to grow as an individual. Being there doesn’t really take much and it could be all worthwhile in the end.

If you are experiencing difficulties with your children and need to talk why not speak to one of our qualified counsellors on…

0700 2222 700 (local rate)