Every child naturally has times when they feel happy and when they feel down, particularly as they go through puberty. There’s usually a specific reason they feel this way and often, these low patches naturally right themselves over time and with your support.
But you may feel worried that your child seems withdrawn all the time.
You may notice they:
Talk to your child about what you can see. You could say, “I’ve noticed you’re not seeing your friends anymore. That makes me think you might feel upset or worried about something. Could you tell me about it?” Naming the emotion helps them to better express how they feel.
If your child struggles to talk to you, you could make guesses about what the problem is so they can agree or correct you. Be open and listen when they talk. Let them share their feelings and avoid leaping in to solve their problems for them.
There may be a specific reason why your child is becoming more withdrawn.
Common problems include:
Often, children seem withdrawn when they have low-self esteem. Praise your child, be positive and encouraging, and tell them what they are good at rather than giving them “tough love” or expecting them to get over these feelings.
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