Red Flags That Might Not Be “Just Growing Pains”

1. Mood Swings That Make Soap Operas Look Subtle

If your child goes from happy to “end-of-the-world meltdown” over toast being cut the wrong way—again—it could be more than a quirky personality trait. Persistent emotional swings may signal difficulty regulating emotions, not just a flair for the dramatic.

2. Sleep? What Sleep?

Kids who are anxious, depressed, or stressed often have sleep issues. If your child’s sleep schedule resembles a vampire’s or they’re more tired than you after a Zoom call marathon, it might be time to talk.

3. Suddenly Anti-Everything

If your once social butterfly has ghosted their friends and is now one with their blanket burrito 24/7, it’s not just "tween angst.” Withdrawal can be a big red flag for depression, anxiety, or school-related stress.

4. School? No Thanks.

If getting your child to school feels like launching a space mission—and every assignment ends in tears—this could point to undiagnosed learning challenges or anxiety.

5. Behavior That Makes You Google “Exorcist Near Me”

Everyone has bad days. But constant aggression, defiance, or backtalk worthy of a courtroom drama may mean deeper behavioral regulation issues, especially if it’s causing chaos at home or school.