Signs of Seriously Troubled Kids

Kids don't start out troubled. Sometimes what starts out as a minor incident eventually snowballs into a larger psychological problem. There are warning signs along the way parents should pick up on before the situation worsens. Hindsight is 20/20, but parents who notice red flags early have the best chance of getting their children to change.

Lowering Grades

• A dramatic drop in scholastic achievement is a sign of a seriously troubled child. Watching grades on every quarterly report card, however, isn't enough. Parents must look through their child's backpack for assignment or test scores and have open lines of communication with teachers to determine a dramatic dip in grades.

Disrespectful Friends

• New, questionable friends should throw up red flags. If these new friends are disrespectful to you or their own parents, or if they refuse to come into the house to meet you, it is a warning sign for troubled kids, suggests Clinical Psychologist Patrick Friman.

Loss of Activity Interest

• When a child loses interest in an activity that once meant a lot to him, it is a sign of trouble. Of course, if another social activity takes the place of the first, there is no reason for concern. For example, it's fine if a kid on the debate team suddenly decides to drop out to join the marching band instead, says Friman.

Drugs

• Drugs are extremely serious, especially when a parent suspects usage. Dramatic changes in moods and behavior can indicate drug use. Also, finding lighters or any type of drug supplies should sound warning bells.