How to Tackle these Behavioral Issues in Children/Teenagers

 

Would you believe that a whopping 20% rise has been observed in the number of cases of mental illness at the end of March 2020. And then the pandemic happened. The devastating after-effects of the COVID pandemic and subsequent lockdowns took a serious toll on everyone's mental and physical health, and children and adolescents are no exception.

So, if you observe your child behave irrationally or display unnatural behaviour, don't panic. It is perfectly normal!

Is your child/teenager having any of the following behavioral issues?

• Mood Swings, Anxiety
  
  One moment your teenager is bubbly and cheerful, then suddenly her mood changes, and she becomes irritable. Or is chewing nails in anxiety while furiously texting. You can help children handle their moods by simply being a non-judgmental listener.

• Anger issues and Self Isolation: Your child sometimes creates a wall around him/her, and refuses to open up. All your attempts to break that wall brings no result, and you can easily feel frustrated. Excessive anger outbursts from children are also symbolic of their desperation to communicate or get attention. 

• Eating or Sleep Disorders: Binge eating, or conversely under-eating was always a problem in teenagers and pre-teens as a quick fix solution to low mood or stress. Deal sensitively with this issue.
  Don't ban foods or force feed anything. If he/she is unable to have proper sleep, encourage exercise and non-gadget engagement. Ensure regular sleep timings and lead by example.

• 
  Excessive Social Media Usage: With the entire education process online, you can’t blame your child for being always on the mobile. They spend their entire waking hours on the net, as their circle of friends and social support is online rather than in person. You need to accept it as a part of life, and stop over-reacting.
• Depression: Depression is now affecting almost one-third of the adult population around the world. But what is worse is children falling prey to this vicious disease. When you notice your child withdrawing, or clamming up, try to talk to them and offer to access professional help.  
• Suicidal Thoughts: Yes, you read it right. Young children on the threshold of their lives are seriously thinking of “ending it all”; that’s the level of desperation. Suicidal thoughts are common in today's children and teenagers. Involve them in household activities as much as possible. Share your own problems with them. And finally, seek professional help to guide your child, if your communication channels break down.

5 Ways You can Effectively and Sensitively Handle these Issues

• Listen patiently and openly, whenever your child is trying to say something
• Be open and approachable in all matters. Nothing should be taboo for them to discuss with you.
  
• Resist the urge to criticize them even if you don't agree to what they are saying/doing
• Don't criticize their friends, or the choices they make
• Ask questions that are not offensive or judgmental
• Lead by example. If you are always on social media, they will also be. You can't lecture one thing and do the opposite.
• Seek help in the form of mental health counselling or therapy. It is nothing to be ashamed of. Our mind is a part of our body and is as likely to face problems or breakdown, as our stomach or liver can.

In the end, remember, you were in their shoes at one time. There is nothing "abnormal" or "unnatural" in their behaviour. It is not the best of times to live in, and they are coping in the best way they can. 

Family can provide the best cushion against the prevalent chaos. Involve your parents or trusted elders in enveloping your child/teenager in acceptance and love.

Your acceptance and quiet support means a lot to your disturbed child.

Be the parent you wanted your parent to be!

#parenting #adolescentproblems #teentrouble #dealingwithmentalissues 

#familysupport #supportiveparent

#emotionalhealthofteens