Mental health is important for people of all ages, including our kids. As much as we need to be in a good space mentally to take care of our children, they also need a healthy well-being for them to grow and develop fully.
Several signs indicate that your child needs therapy. At the same time, your child doesn’t have to show certain negative symptoms for you to introduce therapy this them, it can just be a thing of trying to maintain good mental health.
There is what experts call play therapy for kids, which is defined by the Very Well Mind publication as the process of using games and toys to facilitate emotional processing. According to this publication, parents may perceive the session as “just playing,” but the therapist is creating space for emotional work. “Play also provides a low-pressure scenario during which a therapist can build a connection with a child.”
Here are some other reasons why children might need to go to therapy, as suggested by psychological professionals;
Developmental delays: According to Telesech, a publication that provides teletherapy care for children, your young child has to reach specific developmental milestones for you to know that they are growing up as they should. These developmental stages include playing with Legos, handling a pencil, and cutting out shapes. “If it seems that your child is not advancing in these tasks at a normal rate, then it might be a sign your child needs counselling and thus, occupational therapy is available.” The publication adds on to say that your kid can get guidance in fine motor abilities, gross motor functioning, executive functioning, and sensory modulation from an occupational therapist.
Social disengagement: For kids to be emotionally healthy, they need to have strong social relationships, states Mindful Health Solutions. The publication mentions that therapy could be helpful if your kid shows little interest in social activities, has trouble making friends, or has trouble speaking or interpreting social signs. “Social anxiety, autism spectrum disorder, and traumatic experiences can all contribute to social challenges. Therapy can help improve social skills and relationships by developing communication skills, building self-confidence and resilience, and addressing underlying emotional concerns.”
Changes in sleep and eating patterns: The above-mentioned source also states that a sudden shift in a child’s sleep or eating habits, possibly due to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, or sleep disorders, can indicate a health issue that requires therapy to develop healthy habits and address emotional factors.
Clinginess: The Parents publication claims that clinginess in children may indicate anxiety, as they lack confidence and resiliency to deal with being alone. “A clinician will help a child build self-confidence, that feeling of ‘I can do it’, and ‘I can figure it out!’ This kind of attitude is needed to develop resiliency and confidence.”
Also see: A guide on family therapy
