Most parents reach out to me after noticing a change in their child’s behavior. The most common question is “Is this normal, hormonal teenage behavior or is this a red flag?”

Unfortunately, the line between these two are blurry. Young people are in a peculiar position in life during adolescence. They often seek answers to questions they don’t yet know how to ask. Adolescents sometimes get swept up in emotions, physical changes, and natural urges that they struggle to understand. Their concept of who they are in this world is coming into focus as they seek to understand where and how they fit into their family systems and friend groups. All the while, these same young people are trying to keep their grades up, perform well in school activities, manage expectations and responsibilities, and navigate delicate social dynamics. It’s confusing and difficult being a kid.

What are some red flags to look out for?

• A significant change in mood or appetite

• A significant change in friends not co-occurring with a new school year or new school activity

• A shift toward isolating

• Increased stress or anxiety

• Headaches

• A major loss due to death, a move, or divorce

• Getting in trouble at school

• Bullying

• Acting out via anger and destructive behavior

• A major drop in grades

• Losing enjoyment for things and activities they used to enjoy

• Major changes in sleep patterns

• Mention of suicidal thoughts or self harm

So what is it that we do?

It is always our goal to get to know the young person and build trust through authentic, open, consistent, and compassionate conversation. Young people gravitate toward this because it’s safe for them. They feel heard and understood. The real work begins when trust is built and we begin to be seen as an advocate by and for the youngster. This is when real conversations happen and is easily the best part of our job. Seeing families come together, the child become their own advocate, and seeing each side understanding the other and practicing new communication skills makes us feel honored to do what we do.

How can HTX Counseling and Wellness help?

• We create an environment where your child feels safe to share difficult emotions

• We help your child process those emotions and the experiences that helped create them

• We teach anger management

• We teach communication and social skills

• We teach how to create and maintain boundaries

• We increasing emotional awareness and giving language to feelings

• We teach coping skills and emotion regulation

• We facilitate sensitive family conversations

• We explore new, healthier habits, and time management

• We build self esteem

• We help your child process the grieving experience