There’s a fine line between being a concerned parent and overstepping into your adult child’s life.
Navigating this line can be tricky. Your kid might be all grown up, but that doesn’t mean you stop worrying about their well-being, right?
Spotting the signs that your adult child might not be taking proper care of themselves isn’t always easy. But there are subtle signs that can spill the beans.
In this article, we’ll discuss ‘8 subtle signs your adult child isn’t taking proper care of themselves’.
Stay tuned to know when it’s time to step in and when it’s best to let them navigate their own struggles.
1) Unusual weight fluctuations
Let’s start by addressing the elephant in the room – weight changes.
Now, weight can be a sensitive topic, but as parents, it’s something we should keep an eye on. Not because we’re judging, but because drastic weight changes can be a sign of underlying issues.
If your adult child is gaining or losing weight rapidly, it could be a sign they’re not eating properly or taking care of their physical health.
Maybe they’re skipping meals due to a busy schedule or overeating due to stress.
This isn’t about body-shaming or projecting societal beauty standards. It’s about ensuring that our loved ones are taking care of themselves.
If you notice sudden weight changes in your adult child, it might be time to have a gentle conversation about their lifestyle and eating habits. But remember to approach it with sensitivity and respect for their autonomy.
2) They’re always tired
Let me share a personal experience. My daughter, let’s call her Sarah, used to be the life of the party. She was always energetic and full of life.
But then, I started noticing she was always tired.
Every time we’d chat, she’d mention how exhausted she was. At first, I brushed it off as her having a busy schedule. But then, I realized it was happening too frequently to be normal.
She’d sleep for long hours and still wake up tired. I could see the lack of energy in her eyes, in her voice.
That’s when I knew something was off. It turned out she was dealing with immense work stress and wasn’t getting quality sleep.
If your adult child is always complaining about being tired or you notice a decrease in their energy levels, don’t take it lightly. It could be a sign of poor sleep, stress, or even depression.
Be sure to have a talk with them about it – they may need your support more than they’re letting on.
3) Neglecting personal hygiene
In our hustle and bustle world, it’s easy to have a day or two where we might not present our best selves. But when those days turn into weeks or months, that’s a different story.
A decline in personal hygiene can be a significant sign that your adult child isn’t taking proper care of themselves.
They might appear unkempt, wear the same clothes for days on end, or neglect basic grooming habits.
The most common symptoms of depression and other mental health issues is a decline in maintaining personal appearance and hygiene.
If you notice changes in your child’s grooming habits, it’s worth addressing the issue with them. It could be an indication of a deeper problem they’re dealing with.
4) Increased isolation
Humans are social beings. We thrive on connections and relationships. When your adult child starts to isolate themselves, it’s a red flag that shouldn’t be ignored.
They may stop socializing with friends, avoid family gatherings, or spend most of their time alone. They might also seem disinterested in activities they used to enjoy.
This increased isolation could be a sign of various issues, such as depression, anxiety, or burnout.
It’s important to approach them with empathy and understanding, offering your support without pushing them to open up before they’re ready.
5) Emotional instability
As a parent, it breaks your heart to see your child struggling emotionally.
You want to wrap them up in a blanket, give them a hot cup of cocoa, and assure them that everything will be okay. But as they grow older, things aren’t as simple.
If your adult child exhibits frequent mood swings, becomes irritable or bursts into tears for no apparent reason, this could be a sign they’re not taking proper care of themselves.
These emotional fluctuations could be due to stress, hormonal imbalance, mental health issues or lack of sleep.
It can be challenging to watch your once carefree child navigate the turbulent waters of adulthood.
But remember, the best thing you can do is offer a listening ear, unconditional love and gentle guidance when they seem lost.
6) Neglected living space
I’ll never forget the day I walked into my son’s apartment, and it was in complete disarray.
Dirty dishes piled high, laundry strewn about, dust covering surfaces – a sight I wasn’t used to seeing.
A cluttered living space can be more than just a sign of busyness.
It can signal that your adult child is struggling to keep up with daily responsibilities, which could be due to stress, depression, or other mental health issues.
If you notice your child’s living environment is consistently unkempt, it’s worth having a conversation about it.
Remember, it’s not about criticizing their housekeeping skills but about understanding if they’re coping well with their responsibilities and emotions.
7) Lack of interest or motivation
We all have moments where we feel unmotivated or disinterested. But when this becomes a persistent pattern, it’s a cause for concern.
If your adult child seems to lack motivation, shows little interest in their hobbies, or struggles to find pleasure in things they used to love, it might be a sign they’re not taking proper care of themselves.
This lack of enthusiasm can be an indication of various issues, including burnout, depression, or a lack of self-care.
It’s important to address this with them gently and offer your support, letting them know that it’s okay to seek help when things get overwhelming.
8) Frequent illnesses
One of the glaring signs that your adult child might not be taking proper care of themselves is if they’re falling ill frequently.
Our bodies have a way of telling us when things are off balance, and frequent illnesses can be a big red flag.
If they’re constantly battling colds, having recurring headaches or digestive issues, it might indicate that their immune system is compromised due to stress, poor diet, or lack of sleep.
It’s crucial to encourage them to seek medical advice and ensure they’re taking necessary steps to maintain their health. After all, health isn’t just wealth – it’s everything.
Final thoughts: It’s about love and understanding
Being a parent doesn’t stop when your child grows up. The roles might shift, the dynamics might change, but the love and concern remain.
If you notice these subtle signs in your adult child, remember, it’s not about pointing fingers or making them feel guilty.
It’s about opening a channel of communication, offering support, and understanding their struggles.
As Dr. Harold Hulbert once said, “Children need love, especially when they do not deserve it.”
This holds true even when your children have grown into adults.
It’s essential to approach these conversations with empathy, patience, and unconditional love.
Sometimes, all they need is to know that they’re not alone in their struggles and that help is available.
As you reflect on this information, remember that taking care of an adult child requires a delicate balance of giving them space to grow while being there to catch them if they fall.
It’s not an easy task, but it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of parenthood.
