There is a fine line between being a concerned parent and transitioning into the life of an adult child.
Navigating this line can be tricky. Your child may be an adult, but that doesn’t mean you stop worrying about their well-being, right?
It’s not always easy to spot the signs that your adult child is taking care of themselves properly, but there are subtle signs that can spill the beans.
In this article, we will discuss “8 Subtle Signs Your Adult Child Is Not Taking Care Of Him Properly.”
Follow along to learn when it’s time to call it quits and when it’s best to let them navigate their 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 need to keep an eye on, not because we’re judgmental, but because sudden changes in weight can be a sign of underlying problems.
If your adult child is rapidly gaining or losing weight, it may be a sign that he is not eating properly or taking care of his physical health.
Maybe they skip meals because they are busy or overeat because of stress.
It’s not about body shaming or projecting society’s beauty standards, it’s about taking care of our loved ones.
If you notice sudden weight changes in your adult child, it may 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 are 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 to notice that he was always tired.
Every time we talked he would mention how exhausted he was. At first I thought it was because he had a busy schedule. But then I realized it happened too often to be normal.
He slept for long hours and still woke up tired. I could see the lack of energy in his eyes, in his voice.
That’s when I knew something was wrong. Turns out he was dealing with a lot of work stress and wasn’t getting quality sleep.
If your adult child is always complaining of tiredness or you notice a decrease in their energy level, don’t take this as a sign of poor sleep, stress or even depression.
Be sure to talk to them about it. they may need your support more than they can afford.
3) neglect of personal hygiene
In our busy world, it’s easy to have a day or two where we may not be our best selves, but when those days turn into weeks or months, it’s a different story.
A decline in personal hygiene can be a significant sign that your adult child is not taking proper care of himself.
They may look unkempt, wear the same clothes for days, or neglect basic grooming habits.
The most common symptoms of depression and other mental health problems are poor personal appearance and hygiene.
If you notice a change in your child’s grooming habits, it’s worth addressing this issue with them.
4) increased isolation
Humans are social creatures. We thrive on connections and relationships. When your adult child starts to withdraw, 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 may also seem indifferent to activities they used to enjoy.
This increased isolation can be a sign of a variety of problems, such as depression, anxiety, or burnout.
It’s important to approach them with compassion 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 struggle emotionally.
You want to wrap them in a blanket, give them a hot cup of cocoa and reassure them that everything will be fine. But as they grow up, things are not so simple.
If your adult child has frequent mood swings, becomes irritable, or cries for no apparent reason, this may be a sign that he is not taking proper care of himself.
These emotional swings can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances, mental health issues, or lack of sleep.
It can be difficult to watch a once carefree child navigate the stormy 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 residential area
I’ll never forget the day I walked into my son’s apartment and it was a complete mess.
Dirty dishes piled up, laundry strewn around, dust covering surfaces. a sight I was not used to seeing.
A cluttered living space can be more than just a sign of busyness.
It could be a sign 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 that your child’s living environment is constantly messy, it is worth talking about it.
Remember, it’s not about criticizing their housekeeping skills, but understanding whether they’re coping well with their responsibilities and emotions.
7) lack of interest or motivation
We all have moments when we feel motivated or unmotivated, but when this becomes a constant pattern, it’s cause for concern.
If your adult child seems unmotivated, shows little interest in their hobbies, or struggles to enjoy things they used to enjoy, it could be a sign that they are not taking proper care of themselves.
This lack of enthusiasm can indicate a variety of problems, including fatigue, depression, or a lack of self-care.
It’s important to gently address this issue with them and offer your support, letting them know that it’s okay to seek help when things get overwhelming.
8) frequent diseases
One of the telltale signs that your adult child may not be taking good care of himself is that he gets sick often.
Our bodies tell us when things are out of balance, and frequent ailments can be a big red flag.
If they are constantly fighting colds, have recurring headaches or digestive problems, it may indicate that their immune system is compromised due to stress, poor diet or lack of sleep.
It is very important to encourage them to see a doctor and make sure they take the necessary steps to maintain their health. After all, health is not just wealth, it is everything.
Final thoughts. It’s about love and understanding
Being a parent doesn’t stop when the child grows up. The roles may change, the dynamics may change, but the love and concern remain.
If you notice these subtle signs in your adult child, remember that 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 Halbert once said, “Children need love, especially when they don’t deserve it.”
This is true even after your children have grown up and become adults.
It’s important to approach these conversations with compassion, patience, and unconditional love.
Sometimes they just need to know that they are not alone in their struggles and that help is available.
As you ponder this information, remember that caring for an adult child requires a delicate balance of giving them room 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.