Mental health expert shares warning signs as missing teen cases rise in Texas
WACO, Texas (KWTX)— Reports of missing teens are flooding media outlets across the state, with Bexar County officials working on three separate cases of missing girls in the last week.
Mental health professionals advise parents to watch for specific warning signs and respond with connection rather than punishment when children exhibit concerning behaviors.
Warning signs to watch for
Dr. Kristy Donaldson, a licensed professional counselor, said parents should look for patterns rather than focusing on isolated incidents.
“Big changes in sleep, appetite, or hygiene. Those are some that I see the most often. Those are also ones that can be a little bit silent,” Donaldson said.
Other warning signs include children suddenly distancing themselves from friends and family, noticeable mood changes, emotional numbness, or consistent negative statements about themselves.
How parents should respond
Donaldson said the key is responding to changes with connection rather than punishment.
“The key is to notice any changes and respond to them with connection, rather than any punitive-type actions like punishment or consequences that are negative. We want to make sure that the child knows that we’re trying to keep them safe, and we want to be there for them,” she said.
She advised parents to speak to children from genuine curiosity and establish regular check-ins.
“Creating regular, also low-pressure check-ins, so when you’re doing regular check-ins your child is not as apt to think ‘uh-oh, they’re on to me’ if you’re doing that all the time, right? It’s just ‘that’s what mom does’, or ‘that’s what dad does’,” Donaldson said.
She added that validating children’s feelings and monitoring online activity without being intrusive can help. Parents should trust their instincts when something feels wrong.
“The guardian, the parent, the one that knows your child best, they’re usually right when something feels off. Even if the child doesn’t want to affirm that they’re feeling that way, or confirm it, they will oftentimes be very grateful that somebody took notice,” Donaldson said.
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