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Understanding the Differences Between Sadness and Emotional Shutdown in Children

Understanding the Differences Between Sadness and Emotional Shutdown in Children — Practical big feelings guides from the Parenting lane.

How to tell sadness from the shutdown — eye contact, posture, response latency. · How to sit with a sad kid — without trying to fix the sadness. · The shutdown protocol — how to reach back without demand. · What adolescent depression actually looks like — versus the adult presentation. · The warning signs that move concern into urgency — and what to do tonight. · How to talk to the pediatrician about mood — the language and the workup. · When to call the 988 crisis line — and what happens next. · How to Introduce New Foods to a Picky Eater · How to Advocate for Your Child in Medical Settings · When to Trust Your Parental Instincts About Your Child's Health