I'm Worried About My Child
Parenting can be really hard. We all remember that being a kid can be hard, too.
With more diagnoses, more medications, more stress, more technology, and such a fast-paced life, you may find yourself wondering if your child needs “professional help”.
As far as issues go, you are likely aware that anxiety is topping the list for adults. But you may not realize that anxiety is also a major cause of distress in children, too. You may observe this as separation anxiety or social anxiety; you may see it only at night or only before school. Whatever the context, an anxiety-stricken child is in pain and so is their whole family.
Many parents today are worried about their child’s experience in school. ADD and ADHD are diagnoses that are thrown around all too readily. But what if your child really is hyperactive, what if your child really does have attentional issues? How can you help your child?
Another broad category that impact children is life transitions. A change in family structure, a move, a new school, the loss of a pet or loved one can all cause sadness, confusion, or changes in behavior. Parents may have a hard time distinguishing a “normal” response and recovery from major a life change from a response that would benefit clinical attention.
Indications that a child may need counseling vary widely and parents often feel unsure about the difference between a call for help and natural growing pains. The good news is that a counselor or therapist can often help parents assess these situations and help to determine the best course of action. This beginning of that discussion is often provided free of charge by counselors during an initial phone consultation. Many parents will seek an initial consultation with 2 or more therapists in order to identify the best fit therapist for the child's needs. The following is a list of common signs that a child might display if he or she is in need of professional counseling:
•Age-inappropriate behavior or sudden recurrence of past behaviors, such as emotionally charged temper tantrums at age 12
•Difficulty in or avoidance of school-related activities
•Extreme personality changes, for example a shy child becomes unusually extroverted, or a an outspoken child becomes shy or withdrawn
•The child acts out adult or violent scenarios with toys or dolls
•Loss of appetite
•Difficulty sleeping
•Expressed fear of a bully at school or in recreational activities
•Persistent defiance with authority figures
•Low self esteem or expressed concerns about personal inadequacy
•Drug, Cigarette, or Alcohol use
•Difficulty in or avoidance of school-related activities
•Extreme personality changes, for example a shy child becomes unusually extroverted, or a an outspoken child becomes shy or withdrawn
•The child acts out adult or violent scenarios with toys or dolls
•Loss of appetite
•Difficulty sleeping
•Expressed fear of a bully at school or in recreational activities
•Persistent defiance with authority figures
•Low self esteem or expressed concerns about personal inadequacy
•Drug, Cigarette, or Alcohol use
If your child is experiencing one or more of these behaviors, please click here to view all Feel Good Austin counselors that specialize in child therapy.
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