Reading time: 3 minutes
Suitable for: Families of secondary-age children
Read the primary-age version of this QUICK READ
Every child naturally has times when they feel happy and when they feel down - particularly as they go through puberty. There’s usually a specific reason they feel this way. Often these low patches naturally right themselves over time and with your support.
But you may feel worried that your child seems withdrawn all the time.
You may notice they:
- Seem less interested in previous hobbies and interests
- Are becoming quieter
- Spend more time alone
- Don't want to join in or avoid situations
- Are becoming less communicative
- Don’t seek adult attention
Talk to your child about what you can see. You could say, “I’ve noticed you’re not seeing your friends anymore. That makes me think you might feel upset or worried about something. Could you tell me about it?” Naming the emotion helps them to better express how they feel.
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