Clues that Child Counseling Will Help Your Child

Growing up will bring changes to the way your child thinks and acts. However, sometimes parents cannot help but wonder whether therapy will help their child. Whether these changes came in the wake of a sudden or shocking incident, or even if there is no logical explanation for them, parents should always be aware of them since they provide clues to whether child counseling might be necessary.

Signs that Child Counseling May Help Your Son or Daughter

Look out for the following changes in your child’s personality that may indicate that child counseling will help you, your child, or your family.

Defiant behavior.

Behavior problems in the comfort and familiarity of their own home or outside the home are some of the more common signs that child counseling will help. Defiant behaviors are characterized by a willingness and tendency to become defensive, complain, or argue at the slightest thing. If this happens more often than usual it could be that your child is asking for help, even if they do not recognize it as such.

One way to notice defiant behaviors quickly is to stay in touch with teachers and other parents who may witness your child’s words and actions every day. If you wonder whether or not there is a problem, then think about alerting them to your concern and asking them to share with you any defiant behaviors they may witness.

Dramatic changes in interests and habits.

While behavior changes may affect your child, so changes in their interests and habits. While these types of changes are typically seen in their personal interests, they may also be seen in their eating and sleeping patterns. If the change persists for longer than two weeks, then a counselor may be able to shed some light on whether or not these changes could be the result of emotional stressors.

Extreme worry and despondency.

Acute worry and sadness may be the most direct and obvious of all of these points. Experts recognize that when a child is excessively worried and sad it is far more difficult for a parent to give them the assistance they need without professional care.

Both emotions are normal, and everyone experiences them to a degree, especially during times of change in life, but if they are all that your child thinks about, it is a clear sign that child counseling may be helpful.

Regressive thoughts, words, and actions.

Regression happens when someone retreats to an earlier stage of function on an emotional, social, or behavioral level in times of stress. For example, when a new sibling is born, a child in the home may begin to wet their bed again. Divorce, moving house or other major life changes may also trigger regression. When regression happens seemingly for no reason, it may simply be that the reason is unusual.

In these situations, child counseling may be recommended.

• Regressing in their language use (perhaps going back to baby-talk).
• More temper tantrums than usual.
• Wetting the bed (after being nighttime potty trained).
• Clinginess and separation anxiety.
• Unusually high fearfulness and levels of anxiety.

Choosing to become socially isolated.

There are common reasons why a child may withdraw socially, but it may be a good indicator that you should examine their current emotional state. Being sad or having heightened levels of anxiety may cause a child to pull back from social situations and turn their focus inward.

When this begins to happen so frequently that it affects their interpersonal relationships, it is time to acknowledge they are not just having a sad day. Child counseling is one route that should be considered. If being shy or introverted is not normal for your child, then their behavior may appear more significant.

Social isolation is a complex term that can take many forms such as choosing to eat their lunch alone; doing their best to get out of playdates or activities that require them to be social; and not wanting to leave the house even for some of their favorite activities.

Verbalising self-harm.

There are times when you need to seek immediate help for your children, such as when they express feelings or other ideas about self-harm. The idea may be presented subtly through feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, or it may be in a more direct manner such as thinking suicidal thoughts or cutting themselves.

Parents should be aware that self-harm can manifest itself in a variety of ways, such as hitting themselves, banging their head against something, or digging their nails into their skin. Should you notice any of these then it is important to take note of the circumstances surrounding the event and then to look for help for your child.

Christian counseling for children

If you’re looking for additional help to better understand child counseling beyond this article, browse our online counselor directory at Santa Clarita Christian Counseling or contact our office to schedule an appointment. We would be honored to walk with you on this journey.