Signs a child needs help

 Here are eight signs a child may need help:  

1. Appetite shifts 

Changes in eating patterns may hint at an underlying emotional issue or challenges at home. If a child eats less than normal, refuses to eat or eats an unusual amount at a time, it may indicate a need for support. 

2. Constant worry 

Feelings of anxiety can be normal, especially with large life changes like moving to a new area, starting school for the first time or playing a new sport. However, if these feelings become dominant and overwhelming—all a child talks or thinks about—he or she will likely benefit from additional support. 

3. Declining grades 

Plummeting academic performance for a typically consistent child is a cause for concern. While a decrease in a child’s grades could be a one-time occurrence, it’s important to keep an eye out for a repeating pattern that could point to deeper, hidden issues. 

4. Defiant behaviors 

Behavioral problems or changes are the most common sign that a child needs extra care. Disrespecting authority figures or fighting with other children at school are often outward signs of internal distress. 

5. Difficulty concentrating 

Difficulties concentrating could easily be the result of external stimuli distracting a child. But if a child is regularly distracted during everyday tasks, it’s crucial for a parent or trusted adult to take note as this sign could point to lack of sleep, inadequate nutrition or mental/emotional struggles.  

6. Frequent mood shifts 

Frequent mood shifts can be a subconscious cry for help. Angry outbursts or sudden, teary meltdowns are often a child’s way of asking for help, especially if they don’t know how to verbalize the external or internal cause. 

7. Physical changes 

Dark under eye circles, baggy or overly tight-fitting clothing, eye contact avoidance—all of these outward cues may be signaling that something is not right. More obvious physical changes may include frequent injuries or bruising, which could signal a child is being abused. Other physical changes could be more subtle—like a child wearing long sleeves in the summertime which could also point to abuse or that the child is struggling with mental/emotional issues. 

8. Socially withdrawing 

When a child isolates from adults or other children on a regular basis, especially if they are usually outgoing and social, it can be a red flag that something is wrong. Social withdrawal could point to issues at home or a need for additional emotional support. 

Examples of socially isolating include: eating lunch alone, a lack of desire to play with other children and avoiding school. 

What now? 

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child:  

— Talk to them. Take care to ensure they know you deeply care for their well-being, creating a nonjudgmental space for them to talk about their physical and emotional health. You can be a safe space for them to open up as well as a helpful resource to help name and normalize their emotions, empowering them with essential guidance to manage their emotional health. 

— Consider reaching out to a healthcare professional. If these signs and symptoms persist, your child may need additional support from a health care expert. Finding a qualified physician, therapist or counselor trained in physical, emotional and mental health could be a critical asset in helping your child become their strongest, healthiest self. 

If you notice any of these symptoms in another child:  

— If you are close to this child, talk to them. As a trusted adult in their life, you can be a safe space for them to share. One of the above signs might be the result of recurring nightmares or bullying at school, or it could point to something more severe. You can help a child advocate for themselves by providing a listening ear and guidance on resources available to them. 

— Share your concerns with their parent or guardian. If you’re not close to the child or noticed the behavior at school or at an extracurricular activity, speak directly to the parent of the child and share your concerns.  

— If you suspect a child is being abused or neglected, immediately report your concerns to the appropriate authorities, like Child Protective Services, in the state you believe the mistreatment to be occurring. If you believe the child to be in immediate danger, call 911.

What about the children without parents or trusted adults to look for these signs? 

The reality is that many children around the world don’t have a compassionate individual like you to care about them. In fact, an estimated 220 million children—1 out of 10 worldwide—are at risk of growing up alone. Without the protection and guidance of a trusted adult, they are incredibly vulnerable to poverty, violence and exploitation. And without the chance to form loving relationships, they are at risk of long-term mental health challenges. 

At SOS Children’s Villages, we’re fighting to change that.  

With our unique village model, we provide vulnerable children with a safe home, loving family, nutritious food, quality education and professional health care services (including mental health). And after more than 75 years of raising children with care, we’ve proven the power of the village: a child who is loved, protected and empowered becomes a loving, protective and empowering parent, capable of realizing their dreams and contributing to their communities.  

We believe that every child deserves a safe and loving home. And, we have a feeling you share that belief, too.  

You can look out for a child in need and be the trusted adult in their lives when you:   

1. Sign up for our newsletter 

Learn about important children’s issues, read inspiring stories of resilient kids who are thriving with your support and discover ways you can advocate or support vulnerable children around the world. 

2. Sponsor a child 

There are over 150 million children in need of parental care around the world, facing the unimaginable hardships of navigating childhood alone. Your sponsorship can change that. You can give a child a stable, loving family and become the trusted adult and friend they need. 

3. Donate 

At SOS Children’s Villages, we’re dedicated to ending violence against children, including abandonment and neglect. When you donate, you are giving a child a safe home and caring family. Your gift will help provide a child with a loving caregiver—the kind of person who’s always there to encourage and watch out for signs of distress—providing them with the resources they need to thrive.  

4. Give a meaningful gift from the SOS Gift Shop 

Your generosity provides a child with the essentials to live a healthy, joyful life, like consistent meals, access to clean water, school supplies and much more in our Gift Shop.  

Whichever way you choose to support a vulnerable child in need, thank you. Together, we can build a future where no child is without love or the resources they need to thrive!