Children over twelve years old live in their own world and are in no hurry to open it even to their relatives, and adults, in turn, begin to worry – you ask the child questions, and he asks to leave behind.
How can you find out what plans and thoughts the obstinate child has. It turns out that there are ways that help to better understand the child, known and simple.
1. Listen
A teenager, this is half an adult, it seems to him that he will solve all problems on his own and he does not need help from others. However, if he is near you and is trying to convey information, put everything aside and listen.
Any words, sentences, emotions can tell a lot about the events and difficulties that are happening at the present time.
2. Observe
To prevent worsening of childhood depression leading to negative thoughts, observe behavior. Irritability after attending school or other activities, looking tired, indifferent to family events are all signs that it is time for adults to intervene.
We are not talking about temporary anger or resentment, but a protracted such state. Direct questions will not help here, contact the parents of the teenager’s friends or teachers to figure out what exactly is happening right now.
3. See pictures
Consider yourself lucky if your child loves to draw. Pay attention to the depicted characters, the brightness of colors, the location of objects on paper. Monsters with sharp fangs speak of hidden aggression, the sharper and larger the teeth, the more negative the mood.
Authorities in the family are depicted using calm or bright colors, if the person in the picture is in dark or gray clothes, this means that he is “extra” and most likely the teenager will not listen to his opinion.
Recommended: how to talk to a teenager
4. Interested in the right way
If you want to ask about something, do it correctly and discreetly. Instead of “how are things at school”, take a diary and praise for the efforts, gently ask about the topic of the lesson, and in the course of the conversation, you can learn about other school nuances.