in class?
Has your son started wearing bigger and baggier clothes, or asking for you to buy them?
Have you noticed your son doing repetitive exercises at home?
Has your son developed any other repetitive habits?
Has your son changed his social circle?
Has your son withdrawn from the family?
Has your son developed a temper, or is he displaying dramatic mood swings?
Does he often seem sad and tearful?
Have any aspects of his behaviour become irrational?
Has he developed any superstitions?
Have you noticed any change in his bathroom habits?
Have you noticed any change in his sleep patterns?
Does he get angry if you confront him about his weight and/or eating or exercise habits?
Does your son look pale, and does he complain of constantly being cold or tired?
Is his skin unusually dry?
Has he grown any fine downy hair (not like the increase in normal body hair during puberty)?
Has anyone else in your family, at school, or in your social circle commented on a change in his appearance and/or behaviour?
The above list gives you an idea of the sorts of things to look out for. Different boys will show different changes in appearance and behaviour. Many of the above, when taken on their own could be explained away as normal for a child going through puberty. The key is to look at all the changes together. If you are concerned about your son’s weight and/or diet it is worth looking out for some of these other changes in behaviour and write them down. If you decide to seek professional help you are much more likely to be listened to if you can give a detailed account of how your son’s behaviour has changed.
