My child has been unusually quiet and withdrawn for weeks — should I be worried?

You are right to pay attention. Children at 12 do go through periods of withdrawal as part of normal development — this is an age where internal life becomes more complex and private. That said, five to six weeks of consistent change in behaviour, especially a shift away from things they used to enjoy, is worth taking seriously.

Some things worth noticing: Has anything changed in their world recently — school, friendships, family situation? Are they eating and sleeping normally? Do they have any trusted adult outside the home they talk to?

When you speak to them, try to open without a question. "I've noticed you seem a bit quieter lately and I just want you to know I'm here" creates less pressure than "are you okay?" which invites a reflexive "yes."

If this continues or deepens, a conversation with a child psychologist or adolescent therapist is a reasonable next step — not because something is definitely wrong, but because it is better to check than to wait.