Being a parent is full of making so many hard decisions. When you notice your child is struggling, it can be difficult to know where to start and how to go about finding the support they need. In fact, a lot of parents that I speak with are actually unsure of whether their child could benefit from working with a therapist. Some parents are worried that they are “blowing things out of proportion” or that their child might be “going through a phase” or that they themselves are just overreacting to their childs behaviors or big feelings.
1. Trust your gut. No one knows your child better than you. If you find yourself frequently worried about your child’s behaviors or emotional wellbeing and you have already tried sooooo many things that haven’t been successful in solving the problem or creating long-term change in your child’s behaviors, then it probably means they could benefit from some extra support.
3. Talk to trusted professionals in your child’s life. Your child’s pediatrician or teachers are great places to start. I highly recommend talking with your child’s school counselor, previously known as guidance counselors. School counselors are master’s level professionals that can provide you with guidance on whether a behavior or issue that your child is experiencing is within a “normal” range for their age and developmental level. Oftentimes, school counselors can also provide short term counseling, especially when it is related to social issues or behaviors that are occurring during school hours. When I was an elementary school counselor, I would work with a child either in individual or group counseling for about six sessions, then help the parent get their child connected to a therapist if I felt they could benefit from additional support.
Connecting your child with a therapist early on can help set them up for success as they grow. Learning at a young age that it’s okay to talk about difficult feelings and that they have the skills within them to cope with daily stressors creates a strong foundation for life-long emotional literacy and growth.
Take care!
