Should I Worry That My Child Seems Withdrawn?

Every child naturally has times when they feel happy and times when they feel down. There’s usually a reason why they feel this way, such as after a bereavement. 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But you may feel worried that your child seems withdrawn all the time, or they seem to be getting increasingly unhappy.

You may notice they:

• Seem less interested in their hobbies
• Are becoming quieter
• Spend more time alone
• Don’t want to join in, or avoid situations
• Are becoming less communicative
• Don’t seek adult attention

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 understand how they feel.