How to Recognize Signs of Teenage Abuse

As parents we are more than responsible for our children in more ways than one. It's not enough to just feed, clothe and shelter our precious ones. It is not enough to prepare them for college or their wedding. There is so much more and this topic explains some of a higher calling. Annually dozens of young people wind up in the hospital, bad accidents and even death all due to a subject called abuse.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Courage to talk to them
• Compassion
• Seek help if needed
• Report abuse to police

1. Mix peer pressure and naivety and you have the makings of bad decisions on the part of young people. Being a part of a group is very important to them and they will do whatever it takes to stay in the "in crowd". School grades and family can slowly become a distant second or third in their order of things. They are easily persuaded not to mention vulnerable. That is why recognizing signs of abuse is so important.

2. Change in Attitude
   
   If your son or daughter is usually predictable and all of a sudden their attitude shifts, then this might be a red flag. Watch for changes in beliefs or ideology. If you know you've taught them one idea and that idea has or is changing, make note.

3. Change in Behavior
   
   If their overall behavior changes, make note. It can be more than hormonal deficiencies. Talk to them and offer them your support. Express your unconditional love and that you are always there for them. Some noticeable changes might be in their eating, sleeping or general activities. When they become less predictable, make note.

4. Sudden Mood Swings
   
   If a child goes from being happy to sad, something is truly wrong. Put your arms around them and once again offer your help. Teenagers don't open up as easily as they did when they were smaller. They are more likely to confide in friends rather than parents. If you notice red eyes or Kleenex handy, you might want to observe. Our greatest asset is always keeping an eye on our children and their welfare.

5. Change in Clothes
   
   Change in clothing is a huge red flag. You don't have to go to their closet and take everything out but you should be aware. Depending on your parenting skills, handle the issue and don't assume they are going through a phase. Clothes have always been able to speak volumes to the masses. Remember the hippies? In this case, the clothes do make the man.

6. Need for Money
   
   If your teenager has a job and you have no idea what they do with their money, you might suggest some money management skills. If not and money becomes an issue, please take this as a real red flag. There are teen boys that coax teen girls into buying them items or "show them love". This can be misunderstood as love. For some teens, this can be addictive and can escalate into bad situations like stealing for money.

7. Anti-social
   
   when a teen seeks to want to be alone, more might be going on than meets the eye. If it is not a retreat or an upcoming mid term, pay close attention to details. Do they shut up daily? Are they in the bathroom longer than usual? Are band aids missing? Is the alcohol half full? Are they on the phone for long periods of time? Pay attention.

8. Watch for physical abuse
   
   Some signs of abuse might be:
   
   *Red eyes
   *Marks on limbs
   *Bruises
   *Extreme Fidgeting
   *Limps
   *Often use of Bandages
   *Missing School
   *Blood on clothing or bed linens
   *Long sleeve clothing on warm days
   *Any unusual physical appearances

Tips & Warnings

• Seek help if needed
• Research the web for teen abuse
• Get to know your teen' s friends and their families
• Invite your teens friends over for dinner
• You are no alone
• You'll survive

[sanderdoe]

on 4/2/2009 Very informative article and a topic that we all should read up on. Thanks for sharing your expertise! 5*