11 Red Flags To Watch Out For In Your Child
Parenting is a challenging but rewarding job. It can be difficult to know when something might be wrong with your child, but it’s important to recognize any red flags that may indicate a problem.
Knowing what to look out for and getting help early on can make a big difference in the development of your child’s mental and physical health, and is a great way to keep them healthy.
Here are 11 red flag signs that you should watch out for in your child.
- Recurrent bouts of zoning out
Children with absence seizures may stare off into space and be unresponsive for periods of time. Following this, they return to normal functioning but have no recollection of the episode.
While it’s completely normal for children to daydream, if they are zoning out more than usual, it may be cause for concern.
That’s because recurrent absence seizures can be a sign of epilepsy, which can affect the way your child learns and functions. If you notice that your child is zoning out too often, talk to your pediatrician.
- Inappropriate sexual knowledge for age
As children grow, they become more curious about their bodies and the world around them. It’s important to keep an eye out for any behaviors or knowledge that is inappropriate for their age, especially in regards to sex.
If your child seems to be excessively interested in sexual activities, appears overly curious about genitalia, or knows too much about sex for their age, it could be a sign of sexual abuse.
So if you suspect something is wrong, it’s important to get help right away. Talk to your pediatrician and make sure your child is safe.
- Recurrent gum bleeding
If your child has recurrent gum bleeding, it could be a sign of poor oral hygiene or gingivitis. Putney Dental Care explains that gingivitis refers to an infection of the gums and can occur in children who don’t practice good oral hygiene.
However, it can also be an indicator of more serious medical issues, such as leukemia. If your child’s gums frequently bleed even after brushing, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, it’s best to see a doctor.
- Use of hands to get up from the ground
This is called the Gower’s sign, where a child has difficulty getting up from the floor and relies on their hands to help themselves. It can be a sign of a muscle or bone disorder, such as muscular dystrophy or rickets.
If you notice your child using their hands to get up from the ground, it’s a good idea to take them for an evaluation.
- Noisy breathing
Noisy breathing, or stridor, is a sign of an upper airway obstruction. It can be caused by a number of things, including laryngeal infection, asthma, or even a foreign object in the mouth.
If your child is making any unusual noises when they breathe, consider it a medical emergency and take them to the ER.
- Inattention or hyperactivity
If your child is having trouble sitting still, paying attention in school, or focusing on tasks, they may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Other signs include difficulty following instructions and impulsive behavior.
ADHD can be treated with medication and behavior therapy, so if you think your child may have it, talk to your pediatrician.
- Sudden weight gain or loss
Unexplained weight changes can be a sign of an underlying health issue. It could be anything from a hormonal imbalance to an undiagnosed disease.
If your child’s weight suddenly increases or decreases and they are not eating differently, it’s best to bring them in for an evaluation.
- Delayed milestones
Milestones refer to developmental stages, such as walking and talking. If your child is not reaching their milestones on time, it can be a sign of a physical or cognitive disability.
Common milestones and the approximate age they’re achieved include:
- Sitting up on their own: 6 months
- Standing: 9 months
- Walking: 12 months
- Talking in sentences: 2 years
Of course, it might not be possible to remember all the different milestones and their appropriate ages.
However, if you’ve had other children before and think that your current child is developing significantly slower than them, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician.
Furthermore, if these development and behavior signs can be related to autism, consider consulting and knowing more about options for autism therapy San Antonio.
- Persistent fatigue or excessive sleeping
Fatigue and excessive sleeping can be a sign of depression or an underlying health condition. It’s important to make sure your child is getting enough sleep and is eating properly. If the fatigue persists, it’s a good idea to talk to your pediatrician.
- Frequent stomach pain
Stomach pain is a common complaint among children, but it can also be a sign of something more serious.
For example, recurrent stomach pain can be a sign of immunodeficiency, food allergies, autoimmune conditions like Celiac disease, or even a panic attack. If your child is complaining about frequent stomach pain, it’s best to bring them in for an evaluation.
Here, it’s important to know that if your child complains of physical symptoms — like stomach pain or headache — only when they have to go to school, then it’s important to talk to an expert about possible anxiety or depression.
- A small swelling in the neck, underarms, or abdomen
These swellings indicate lymph nodes, which can become enlarged in response to an infection or other medical condition.
The most common cause of enlarged lymph nodes is an infection. However, any lymph node enlargement that doesn’t resolve itself within three to four weeks should be evaluated by a doctor.
That’s because it could also be a sign of leukemia or lymphoma, which are relatively common in childhood.
Your child is precious, so pay attention!
Although most of these signs are not necessarily cause for alarm, it’s still important to be aware of them.
In addition, there are many more warning signs to watch out for in children. So as a general rule, anything out of the ordinary should always be discussed with your pediatrician.
It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the health of your child.