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When a child is in their toddler phase, they begin to meet more people and become social butterflies. They are primarily chatterboxes and will tell you everything about their day in detail. However, they share more with their friends and less with you as they grow up. Of course, this is nothing to panic about, as long as your child is safe and keeps good company. But what if something was wrong, and they would still hide it from you? Perhaps they’re being harassed at school or going through emotional turmoil at home. Here in this article, we have shared some signs that could mean your child is dealing with something, alone. Read on to know more about it and be able to help them the right way.
1. Wears Unsuitable Clothing For The Weather Or Appears Messy
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When a kid has to cope with issues, be it physical or mental, they cease taking care of themselves. As a result, they don’t change into clean clothing regularly, and they often dress inappropriately for the climate. So the next time you see your child wearing torn or dirty clothes and doesn’t seem bothered, make sure you talk to them and get to know what they are going through.
2. Constantly Hungry
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Eating is an excellent method to relax and unwind after a stressful day. But unfortunately, it is seen that a troubled kid can’t seem to get enough to eat. Of course, there’s always the option that they’re just exhausted from the school day, but if your kid comes home ravenously hungry, it’s best to pay heed to this indicator.
3. Either Doesn’t Show Up For Class Or Can’t Wait To Get There
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If a child is doing well academically, teachers might not notice if they skip one or two classes every week. However, this could mean they are avoiding something at school. The opposite can also happen when they attend school, even when sick. This may indicate tensions at home, where the kid either feels unsafe or doesn’t trust their family members.
4. Attempts To Take On Too Much Adult Duty
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While acting maturely and taking on responsibilities is often associated with adulthood, a child doing this means they are trying to exert authority over others. A child should be acting like a child, and even when you want to assign duties to them, it should not burden them with more work than they are capable of.
5. Offends Other Children
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An offended kid could act out physically or verbally (shoving, calling names, stealing, smashing toys, etc.) to vent their frustrations. Unfortunately, they often do this to try to bolster their sense of power.
6. Behaves Too Well
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A child may do everything perfectly out of fear. Possibly, when kids misbehave, their parents are too harsh on them. Nevertheless, children must be taken care of as a community, and any behavior that is different from the ordinary should not be ignored.
7. Needs Constant Affirmation
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Kids’ response to bullying might vary. Some become quieter and introverted, while others strive to get their parent’s attention. When a child’s behavior changes suddenly, it should be noticed.
8. Reroutes Their Commute To School
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Your child may be experiencing difficulties if they suddenly begin walking to school rather than riding the bus. On the walk to school, they could run into bullies within the student body.
9. Modifies Their Looks
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This may just be an expression of adolescent defiance, as with nose piercings and the adoption of unique styles. However, if the kid is being bullied, the clothing may be a form of resistance. It’s unsettling enough that your child’s tastes might shift, but it’s much more concerning when those shifts occur rapidly, like when they abruptly reject their favorite brightly colored garments and wish to replace them with black ones.
10. Complaints Of A Headache Or Stomach Ache Frequently
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Children who are struggling in school often react in unique ways to pressure. Headaches and stomachaches are common responses. Some may even make up an illness, so they don’t have to face their bullies at school. The role of parents is to recognize when their child is having difficulties at school or home and address them head-on. The most crucial step in resolving problems is having a constructive conversation.
Not two kids are the same, and each child has a unique way of expressing themselves and living their life on their terms. However, they are still kids and often resort to the wrong way of doing things without proper guidance. As a parent, you must watch out for your kids and maintain healthy communication with them. So, which of these could you relate to with your childhood? Let us know in the comments section.
