Every child is different. When children develop language, motor, and social skills varies from child to child.
Not every behavior problem is serious. In fact, many everyday stresses can cause changes in your child's behavior. For example, stress from a new baby in the family or a divorce may cause a child to temporarily act much younger than he or she is. Before assuming that there is a mental health problem, it can be worth trying changes to see if that makes a difference.
• Has your child had a full medical checkup recently? There may be a physical problem that needs attention.
• Try less TV
• More sleep
• Exercise every day
• Healthier food
• More calm and quiet
• Learn more about parenting tips and positive ways to manage your children's behavior
• Find out if there are problems at school or elsewhere that are causing stress, such as bullying.
• Adults' anger can influence children without your realizing.
It's easy to know when your child has a fever. A child's mental health problem may be harder to identify, but you can learn to recognize the symptoms. Sudden changes in your child's behavior can tip you off to a problem.
YOUNGER CHILDREN:
OLDER CHILDREN OR TEENS:
Can symptoms be caused by stressful events?
Yes, events like a death in the family, illness in a parent, the stress of family financial problems or divorce can affect every member of a family, even the youngest child. It's normal for stress to cause a child to be upset. Remember this if you see mental, emotional, or behavioral symptoms in your child. Take note if he or she gets better with time. If more than a month goes by, professional help may be needed.
Some common mental health problems in children are:
WHO TO DISCUSS YOUR CONCERNS WITH
You could discuss your concerns with:
Ask questions and learn everything you can about the behavior or symptoms that worry you. Keep in mind that every child is different. Even normal development, such as when children develop language, motor, and social skills, varies from child to child. Ask if your child needs further evaluation by a specialist with experience in child behavioral problems. Specialists may include psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, psychiatric nurses, and behavioral therapists. Educators may also help evaluate your child.
If you take your child to a specialist, ask, "Do you have experience treating the problems I see in my child?" Don't be afraid to interview more than one specialist to find the right fit. Continue to learn everything you can about the problem or diagnosis. The more you learn, the better you can make decisions that feel right for you, your child, and your family.
* Sources: Mental Health America; U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Resources, National Institute of Mental Health
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