What are the Symptoms of a 5 Year Old Child Being Abused?

Question

I mean from a happy child going to mean, depressed, and unruly in a short period of time?

Please tell me what I can look for. Thank you so much.

Answer 1

This is a serious question and let me first say; IF YOU EXPECT SOMEONE OF ABUSING A CHILD, IMMEDIATELY CALL CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES OR THE POLICE.

Children who are abused do change moods. They may seem sad or they may become aggressive and act out their anger by hitting, kicking, and having tantrums.

Many abused children will wet themselves or wet the bed. Regression in behaviors will take place. They may also begin to suck their thumbs again or do things they did when younger.

Look for bruises or sores on all areas of the body. Be suscpious if children say "they fell down"

Some children may become very introverted and shy. But the anger will come out in other ways, such as hurting animals, yelling or hurting their brothers or sisters, etc.

Children who are abused are hyperviligiant and always looking out for things to happen. They may "jump" and startle easy.

Children may "freeze" if loud noises happen or if someone yells. They may hide.

These are some signs.

Answer 2

Watch for how he/she plays. Are they playing at all? And when they are, monitor if it's abnormal. If this child is being abused or not, if it's depressed, he/she needs to be in therepy. Going from happy to very sad in a short period of time is not normal for a 5 year old. Look for bruises of course. If the abuse is verbal, the child will possible be immune to yelling. It will be quiet. It will try not to get in the way, and will be withdrawln. Do you have a little play house? I would take little dolls and say "we're going to play house. What is it like at your house?" And see how he/she responds. It's good that you are taking some action.. abuse is so wrong. Especially at this young age. If needed, report the child's family.

Answer 3

I personally would say that it sounds like something is going on.

If it were sexual abuse, the child would be far to sexually familiar for the age.

This sounds like anger at someone for something they cannot do any thing about.

Is the Mother unmarried and now living with a new boyfriend?
Has there been a change in the household?

Keep track. You may be wise to call Child Protective services if any other strange unusual circumstances arise.

Watch over this child. The Mother could be in a bad situation also.

Answer 4

usually u can look for a sadness and also bruising, another way is to ask the kid if their parents yell a lot. its hard to tell but even if the parents yell at each other they are abusing their child. if u are unsure send an anonymous tip to childrens aid and they can have someone talk to the kid to see whats going on