Parenting can be incredibly rewarding, and it can also be stressful—especially in those moments when you’re not sure how to help your child. It’s important to remember that many children demonstrate emotional or behavioral difficulties and that seeking therapy or professional help is not a sign of your shortcomings as a parent. Instead, it’s a sign that you value your child’s mental health and well-being and want to prevent emotional or behavioral difficulties from getting in the way of your child’s growth or enjoyment of life.
But how do you know when it’s time to get help from an outside source? Let’s break down the signs that indicate it might be time to seek therapy for your child.
There are certain signs that should alert parents that their child may need additional support. Some warning signs include:
- Difficulty expressing emotions in a healthy way
- Frequent outbursts of anger, which might include aggression or power struggles
- Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, or self-doubt
- Worries that get in the way of your child participating in activities and growing their independence
- You are using techniques that seem to work for other children, but your child is not responding as you would expect
Another indication that your child may benefit from therapy is if you feel like you are struggling to understand their behavior. There could be patterns related to their behavior that you don’t yet understand, and seeking help from an experienced professional can help you to be even more in tune with your child.
When it comes down to it, parents should trust their instincts when determining whether their child needs extra support. If something feels off about the way your child is behaving, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from an experienced therapist who specializes in working with children. Remember—seeking help does not reflect poorly on you as a parent or your child. Instead, it means your child may require more or different types of support as compared to other children, and that you are taking proactive steps toward helping your child live a healthier and more meaningful life. By investing in your child’s mental health now, you will be setting them up for success later on down the road!
For further reading
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, January 18). Depression in children and teens. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/depression.html
- School PCIT Clinic. (2021, June 7). Does my child need Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)? [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWaysimf4JY
