Your child may be too embarrassed to talk to you about a problem, or they might try to deal with the problem themselves. Let your child know you will listen to them without judgment. NEVER tell your child to ignore the problem.
If you notice any of the following in your child, talk to them about what they are feeling and contact SAFELine at 814-456-7233 for help.
- Changes in behaviors (sad, moody, teary, or depressed when they come home from school).
- An increase in complaints of physical ailments, such as headaches or stomachaches.
- Changes in sleeping habits, including having trouble sleeping or frequent bad dreams.
- Changes in appetite, both loss of appetite and increased eating (especially junk food).
- Loss of interest in school or grades that begin to slide.
- Increased sensitivity, anxiousness, or low self-esteem.
- Decreased social time or alienating friends.
- Unexplained cuts, bruises, or scratches.
- Talk of self-harm, hopelessness, or that the world would be "better off" without them.
SAFELine can provide advice and resources for parents on the following issues: