Behavioural Concerns
Red Flags for Parents
My job has taken me across Jamaica and facilitates my meeting different parents from different walks of life. I actually interact with children as well as their parents. It is sometimes disheartening to know that parents are not aware that some behaviours that their children display are not normal and they need to get the necessary help for them.
As a parent I do know the desire to have the perfect child and as such refuse to accept certain behaviours that do not appear normal. I have had the experience where the other parent is blamed for the child’s actions.
Here I will list some behaviours that should raise the question if it is normal or abnormal behaviour and requires attention:
- If your child tells you that he/she is hearing voices and no-one is visibly around, this is a red flag for help.
- If your child is constantly defiant, does not respect authority, deliberately annoys others,
- Is your child constantly inattentive, you have to constantly refocus him/her, is constantly fidgety, jumping, climbing, does not stay still or talks out of turn; it is a cause for concern.
- If your child is performing at least two levels below his/her age or grade, it’s a cause for concern
- If your child is cruel to animals and deliberately kills one, it’s a cause for concern.
These are just a few of the common concerns that I have observed.
On another point though, if your child was generally quiet and then becomes aggressive or used to be extroverted and suddenly becomes quiet, it will be a cause for concern. There is need to investigate the sudden change in behaviour.
It is better to be safe than sorry. It is easier to inform your doctor about your observations and get answers than to ignore until it is too late. I have seen the tears of denial or disappointment, I know that it’s hard to think that there is something wrong with your child but I implore you parents to be aware of your child’s behaviour/actions. If you have a feeling about something then don’t let it go. Ask the right persons, preferably your doctor if there are actions that seem more than the norm.
I know that prayer works but also bear in mind that God gave doctors their gift, so trust them and work with them. If it means getting a second opinion, then by all means do so but bear in mind if you still get the same feedback then get out of denial and seek to close the gap by getting the necessary intervention for your child.
In closing, I also suggest, being aware of your child’s personality, the good and the indifferent. Also take note if they are close to you and you find yourself having to repeat yourself to them. No, they are not stubborn, it might be their hearing for starters. Also, if they sit close to the television or squints the eyes to read or hold their book close to their face to read, that is also cause for concern.
This is not cause for alarm but moreso being aware of situations that can cause concern.
Over to you.
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