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10. They lost interest in people and activities they had enjoyed.
This is withdrawal and not pouting. Think about this sign carefully. The child cares about people and activities. The problem is losing interest. Don’t be too quick to think there is a problem. She may lose interest in some people and some activities. This usually has nothing to do with withdrawal. Maybe she got bored. Maybe she just got into other things. The sign is more than simply changing her interests.
Here is what to watch for. Are the people and activities being replaced by other people and activities? If so, a problem is unlikely. If not, the youngster may be withdrawing. This is a serious problem.
Here is what to do. Talk with her about what you have noticed. Say, “I have been noticing you are withdrawing from people and activities. It’s not just changing interests. For example, (Give some examples.) you stay by yourself and don’t seem interested in much. Will you help me understand what’s happening?” She may tell you she is into her school work and does not have time for activities. If so, say, “School work is okay but a steady diet of it is too much. I think there is more happening. Talk to me about what happened with your friends and with the activities you had enjoyed.” If you are patient and give it a little time, she will likely tell you what happened in her world to cause things to go sour.