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Adolescence is often a stage of confusion and upheaval — both for the young person and for their parents. Due to the physical, emotional, and intellectual changes that young people undergo during this transitional period, it’s hardly surprising. Transitioning from childhood to adulthood isn’t easy for most people, and the complexity of modern life certainly seems to complicate the process.

A vast array of often conflicting opinions, ideas and news are only a few clicks of the button away in this Information Age. All too often, violence and dangerous behaviors are given flattering and undeserved attentions by the media. Many parents are rightly concerned about the availability of drugs, alcohol and other harmful choices that their children are exposed to at this trying age.

It seems that cases of adolescent depression, drug or alcohol dependency, and other mental health issues in both teenagers and pre-teens are becoming increasingly common. During this time, independence is strongly desired, yet coping skills and judgment are still developing. Many parents find it hard to tell whether a certain behavior is normal for this age group, or if it necessitates the assistance of a mental health professional to resolve potentially major problems.

Major events in the young person’s life often trigger such problems. These can include relationship problems, the death of a loved one, divorce, serious injury to the adolescent themselves or a family member or friend, or a national tragedy. It is critical that parents pay attention to any changes in their child’s behavior, especially during and following such events. Here are a few behaviors to watch for that may indicate a need to call on a professional:

1. Increased secrecy and defensiveness. It is not unusual for teens and pre-teens to desire a large measure of privacy, but if a kid suddenly starts locking their door and takes a long time to answer when the parent knocks, this could indicate a problem.

2. Stealing money from a parent’s purse or wallet. While the theft itself is a serious issue, needing additional money could point to a drug habit or other problem as well.

3. Unexpected or extreme mood swings, moving from elation to outbursts of anger that are disproportional to whatever triggered the anger.

4. Unexplained cuts on his or her body.

5. Being exceptionally defiant toward parents or other authority figures, frequently missing curfew, chronic lateness or lying about plans and locations.

6. An unexpected change in the people your adolescent spends time with, especially if new friends aren’t ever brought home so the parents can meet them. Coinciding changes in behavior, attitude and clothing preferences could also be reason for concern.

7. A lack of interest in things the teen or pre-teen used to enjoy, or a significant drop in grades.

While these aren’t the only warning signs, they are a reasonable place to start. Parents know their children better than everyone else, and every child is different. Some of these behaviors may be more “normal” for a given teen than others; the critical thing is for parents to be aware of their adolescents’ immediate worlds and notice any behavior changes. If parents suspect a serious problem, they should trust their gut and contact a psychologist or other qualified mental health professional.

To foster a healthy relationship at any age, it is necessary to keep the lines of communication open. Professional counselors can be a big help to both parents and adolescents, working with them to strengthen their family bonds and improve their communication abilities throughout this difficult phase.

In Orange County, CA, if you are concerned about your pre-teen or teen’s behavior, contact Professional Psychology. They specialize in interactive, solution-based therapy for adolescents and family/parenting issues. Powered by SEO 2.0 Services