Warning Signs of Troubled Teenagers
WARNING SIGNS YOUR TEEN MIGHT BE FACING
As a parent do you struggle to identify your teen’s missteps? Do you wonder if they are just lashing out because of teenage rebellion or if they are actually struggling from behavioral disorders? Teens will act out in different ways which can be warning signs to you as parents. Sometimes troubled teenagers will gradually portray these warning signs and it becomes the responsibility of the parents to identify these issues so that small issues do not become bigger problems down the road. So if you identify any of the following behaviors exhibited by your son or daughter, you may be dealing with a troubled teenager.
- Dropping grades
- Extreme mood swings
- Volatile temper and/or intense sadness
- Loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy
- A sudden change in peers and/or avoids positive friendships
- Tries not to fit in with peers
- Becomes secretive
- Fails to comply with rules and limits set by parents
- Feels the need to avoid all consequences and doesn’t assume any accountability
- Teen begins to experiment with alcohol and drugs
- Finds humor in other’s distress
- Attitude is more defiant
- Openly displays rebellion
- Spends too much time alone or sleeping
- Begins to avoid family activities