What should depressed children do if they always give their parents money to go out

Depressed children always ask their parents for money to go out, and parents need to respond by understanding and communicating, setting boundaries, seeking professional help, diverting attention, and establishing support systems. This behavior may be related to factors such as emotional release, low self-worth, social withdrawal, impulse control disorders, or comorbid substance abuse caused by depression.

1. Understanding communication

Parents need to understand that their child's behavior of asking for money to go out may be a manifestation of depression, rather than simply rebellious or demanding. Depression may cause children to be filled with helplessness and pain, attempting to temporarily escape negative emotions and gain a temporary sense of control or stimulation by going out for consumption or activities. Parents should avoid blaming and preaching, but instead create a safe, non judgmental communication environment, patiently listen to their children's true feelings and needs, understand the emotional motivations behind their behavior, express care and support, and make their children feel accepted.

2. Setting Boundaries

Based on a thorough understanding, parents need to gently and firmly set reasonable financial and behavioral boundaries. Unrestricted satisfaction of financial demands may reinforce children's avoidance behavior and hinder their recovery from illness. Parents can discuss with their children to determine the weekly or monthly allowance and agree on the use of this money. For outdoor activities, safe and healthy options can be negotiated, and a time for returning home can be agreed upon. When setting boundaries, it is important to explain that it is out of care and protection, not punishment, to help children establish a sense of rules and responsibility.

Third, seek professional help

This is the core measure to deal with children's depression and behavioral problems. Parents should promptly take their children to the psychiatric and psychological department for systematic evaluation. Depression is a disease that requires professional treatment for its accompanying behavioral problems. Doctors may recommend psychological therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, based on the assessment results to help children identify and adjust negative thinking patterns that lead to painful emotions and impulsive behavior; Alternatively, depending on the severity of the condition, medication such as fluoxetine hydrochloride capsules, sertraline hydrochloride tablets, escitalopram oxalate tablets, and other antidepressants can be used under the guidance of a doctor to improve core emotional symptoms and indirectly reduce behavioral problems caused by emotional distress.

4. Shifting Attention

Parents can actively help their children find and cultivate healthy interests, hobbies, and activities to replace the simple behavior of going out for consumption. For example, encouraging children to participate in family activities such as cooking, walking, and watching movies together; Support children in developing personal interests such as painting, music, sports, or reading; Children can also be guided to participate in meaningful volunteer services or social skills groups. These activities help children rebuild the joy of life, enhance their sense of self-worth, gain positive experiences, and gradually reduce their dependence on negative avoidance methods.

V. Establishing a Support System

Parents should not bear all the pressure alone, but need to establish a diverse support system for their children and themselves. In addition to professional medical teams, children can be encouraged to participate in peer support groups to reduce feelings of loneliness. Parents themselves can also join support groups for families of depression patients, learn more coping skills and emotional management methods, and receive emotional support. At the same time, maintain communication with the school's psychological teacher or homeroom teacher to keep the school informed of the situation and provide appropriate support. A stable support network can provide sustained environmental protection for a child's recovery. It is crucial for parents to maintain patience and stable emotions when facing behavioral problems in children with depression. In addition to actively cooperating with professional treatment, adjusting the family environment is also essential. Ensure that children have a regular schedule, balanced diet, and consume foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, such as deep-sea fish, whole grains, and dark green vegetables, which are beneficial for neurological health. Encouraging children to engage in moderate physical exercise, such as walking and yoga, can help release endorphins and improve mood. Parents need to continue learning about depression related knowledge, avoid moralizing their illness behavior, and accompany their children through difficult times with unconditional love. At the same time, they should also pay attention to their own mental health and seek psychological counseling when necessary. Only by taking care of themselves can they better support their children towards recovery.