When To Seek Counseling for a Child

Counseling Massapequa, NY

Even children need counseling sometimes despite the fact that childhood is supposed to be carefree. Some children have childhoods that are free from serious challenges while others experience some form of hardship. For these children, counseling can make a huge difference in their present and future lives.

Parents have many responsibilities for their children. They need to meet the basic physical needs of the child, provide a sense of safety and ensure the child's emotional well-being. Unfortunately, life does not always go the way we want it. A child may go through difficulties both outside and within the home setting. They may suffer from a mental health issue. Counseling is a lifeline that can help such children deal with their challenges and grow toward emotional health.

How does a parent know when to seek counseling for their child?

A child that has chronic behavioral problems almost always causes disruptions at school, at home and in most other settings where they participate. For a parent, the constant complaints from teachers, siblings and other people are a clear warning sign. A parent may very likely observe the following behaviors themselves:

  • The child demonstrates disruptive behavior in the classroom
  • The child gets into fights and may be accused of bullying
  • At home, the child gets into conflicts with siblings and parents
  • The child exhibits risk-taking behavior
  • The child displays self-harm or violence towards others

These traits may be accompanied by reports from teachers, the school principal and even other parents. In many cases, the child will lose friends or change the type of company they keep. These warning signs should never be ignored. After observing one or more of these indications, parents should get their child to counseling immediately.

1. Changes in mood and personality

If a bubbly, lively child becomes withdrawn, a parent should worry. Sometimes, the cause of the change can be explained by external factors like divorce, bereavement, a new sibling or relocation. When the change is due to an explainable cause, the parents should try to connect with their child and wait for a little while to see if the child reverts to their former self.

When the change in mood persists, it is time to get counseling for the child. Parents should be especially concerned if they observe social withdrawal, a change in sleeping or eating patterns, poor performance in sports or academics and a lack of focus and concentration.

2. Development of harmful habits

If the child adopts risk-taking behavior that has the potential to land them in hospital or jail, it is time to find a child counselor. Other harmful habits that are cause for concern include eating disorders, cutting themselves and substance abuse. Harmful habits become harder to kick the longer they remain unaddressed. Parents should get their child to counseling as soon as they notice any of these signs.

3. Family history of mental health issues

Some mental health conditions are hereditary. If a parent is aware of mental illness in the family, they should seek counseling for their child as soon as they observe any of the patterns listed above.

A qualified counselor can guide children toward emotional health

Look for a great child counselor who has years of experience when it comes to dealing with children and teens. Speaking to a qualified counselor and setting up a counseling appointment can get the child started on a path back to emotional health.

Request an appointment here: https://www.evolvepsychiatry.com or call Evolve Psychiatry at (631) 773-1096 for an appointment in our Massapequa office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Counseling in Massapequa, NY.

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