Parents often find themselves navigating stormy waters at different times during their child’s emotional and behavioral development. Due to a common misconception that ‘bad behavior is always caused by bad parenting,’ parents often blame themselves for their child’s behavioral issue and then assume changing their parenting style is the solution. However, modifying your parenting style may not be enough if a mental health issue is behind your child’s behavioral or emotional problems. Here are some indicators that you should consider scheduling appointment with a qualified mental health professional to have your child evaluated for child therapy.
- Your child seems suddenly moody and depressed, but is otherwise healthy.
- After progressing normally through developmental milestones, your child suddenly regresses.
- You sense your child seems like he is ‘driven by a motor’ and you feel he is hyperactive in comparison others his age. He may also be having trouble paying attention in school and not doing well academically.
- Your child seems behind in developing social skills and has trouble interacting with his peers.
- You have to carefully watch what you say to your child because it seems like almost anything will set him off and provoke an aggressive reaction.
- You notice your child displaying unusual or strange behaviors, like eating non-food items such as dirt or chalk. Other strange behaviors that are a concern include a sudden onset of bedwetting when your child has been previously dry at night, hearing voices, or seeing things that are not there.
- You notice your child experiences night terrors and bad nightmares quite often.
- Compared to others his age, your child is exceptionally clingy, fearful, or anxious.
Remember, early intervention with child therapy can make a difference in the treatment of some mental disorders, so don’t take a ‘wait and see’ approach when it come to potential mental health issues. If your child resists going to the appointment at first, stand firm by your decision. He will probably be grateful later for receiving the treatment needed to start feeling better.
Additional Links:
