Has your child’s mood been the same?
If you have noticed a shift in your child’s mood – you’ll want to monitor it. A mood shift can be a sign that your child is struggling with their mental health and since it is a difficult topic to talk about for many children it may be the only early indicators you’re going to get.
Below are the top five tips parents have shared with us on how the notice, monitor, and address their child’s mood shifts to prioritize their child’s mental health.
Especially with the transition back to school it’s so important to pay attention to any significant shifts in your child’s behavior. You may notice this in the form of more or less sleep, a drop in excitement in the things they once found exciting, withdrawal, irritability, or any other behavior that feel out of the ordinary.
This is not to say that the second you notice your child is upset about something you should jump into action. Like you, children have bad days so it is okay if they have a day that seems lower energy or is spent in their room. What you want to be on the lookout for is a prolonged period of time where your child’s mood has been shifted.
The first step is to notice – but what do you do next? Now comes the intimidating part of broaching the subject with your child.
Make sure the tone of it is non-judgmental. Actively listen to their challenges and avoid dismissing their concerns. Never make them feel like they are being dramatic or making things bigger than they are. If you make your child feel like this, chances are they will avoid the topic again in the future.
School can be a great indicator of how your child is doing in general. Keep an eye on their grades, how they talk about school, and their social life at school the best you can.
If you notice a dip in their grades, a loss of excitement for a subject they used to love, or a decrease in stories about their friends it may be a good time to check in with them.
Remember that your children’s teachers get to see a side of your child that you don’t. They may see a mood change before you do so getting them on your team to prioritize your child’s mental health could be a huge asset.
Mental and physical health go hand and hand. You may even be able to notice physical changes in your child if they are struggling with their mental health. Things like frequent headaches, stomachaches, or changes in appetite (either more or less food than normal) can be an indicator that your child needs support.
The physical symptoms of anxiety
If you have noticed mood shifts listed above in your child – don’t panic. Many children struggle with their mental health and you are doing the exact right thing but noticing it and seeking information like this article.
What you do want to do is get your child the support they need earlier on so they can address their mental health and thrive. There are no tips that are going to help your child more than seeking professional help for them.
We can help you help your child thrive!
Our Family Support Partners know what it’s like to notice a mood shift in their child and navigate getting their child support. They’ve done it for their own children and have helped families across the state do it for theirs. If you are overwhelmed with where to start or find yourself running into road blocks like insurance, the Mental Health Consent Law, or anything else – we want to help.
Our FREE and confidential Family Support Partners offer 1:1 support for parents just like you and they are eager to take your call! Reach out to one of them by calling 570-664-8615!
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