Your child's disturbing behavior persists beyond a month or two. When contrasting how they behaved before the breakup, they now appear angrier, more withdrawn, mouthy, or sad. Some children not coping well can act out by getting into trouble with the law or school.
Your child is not bouncing back to his or her old self.
Your child's grades on the most recent progress report have significantly dropped.
Your child tells you about sexual or physical abuse.
Your efforts to help your child change their behavior have repeatedly failed. You may now be feeling more angry and frustrated because whatever you do does not seem to be working.
You suspect your child is drinking or abusing drugs. You begin to see changes in your child's behavior that is common with kids who are abusing alcohol or drugs. A lack of interest in the family, a change in friends, a drop in school grades, a defensive attitude when asked about their behavior and how they spend their time, dramatic changes in dress, a loss of interest in social activities, a depressed or agitated mood or old friends no longer coming by the house are all signs of possible abuse.
Your child is no longer interested in doing what he or she once considered fun. He or she no longer wants to play sports, date, or hang out with old friends.
This list of reasons for seeking professional help is not exhaustive. You may notice other behaviors that raises you concern about your children's adjustment. Deciding to seek professional help will depend on how much control you believe you have over what is happening to your children. If you have a game plan for helping your children and feel confident about your parenting, professional help may not be necessary. If instead, you are confused about what to do, you should speak with a therapist. (continue)
Understanding When Children Need Professional Help: (part 3)
