WHEN IS IT TIME TO ASK FOR HELP?
Angry and upset behaviour, sad and anxious moods, and short bouts of acting out are all pretty normal as children grow up. You, as parent, will know what is normal for your child or young person and can use your gut feelings to decide if the latest symptoms will respond to kindness, a listening ear or time.
Sometimes friends or relatives can get alongside the young person, and may find the child more responsive and forthcoming as they are slightly less close emotionally.
But if the upset or different behaviour/mood lasts rather longer than expected, or becomes more severe or tearful, or if the young person becomes increasingly irritable and withdrawn or starts to self-harm – this is when you might consider consulting a professional. Sometimes the behaviour shows as a return to childish ways, or there may be aches and pains the GP can't pin down. These, too, are warning signs that all is not well.
Don't worry about looking like a parent who can't manage! I always assume that those who consult about their children's health are the ones who care, who mind what happens and who are being good parents. The ones who neglect their children wouldn't even notice the signs!
Early intervention is good. Even if you're not sure what is going on with your child, then you are still welcome to contact me for a chat and we can start to sort out together what the problem might be, and if therapy might be of use.
Pitstop Counselling
My practice is in Northumberland, UK
on the A696,
30 miles north of Newcastle
For
children
and young
people 4-16
Professional counselling and play therapy for children and young people in Northumberland
- distress - trauma - anxiety - self-harm - bereavement - relationships - self-esteem - anger -
