Behavioural ‘Red Flags’

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By Dr Bill Maier

Kids don't always tell us when something is bothering them. That's why it's important to watch for those little red flags.

Any time a child's behaviour changes, it's a good sign that something different is going on in their life.

It could be a problem at school, like being picked on by a bully. Or they could be having nightmares, or other unsettling events.

One mother noticed that her 12-yearold girl suddenly developed separation anxiety. The behaviour seemed to come out of nowhere, so the mother knew instinctively that something was wrong.

I told her to have a heart-to-heart talk with her daughter, and to try and draw her out.

Children don't always share their problems, so it's important to let them know that it's safe to tell us when something — or someone — is bothering them.

Just talking through a struggle is often the best way to fix it.

From TODAY, Voices – Wednesday, 26-Aug-2009