Reading The Signs: How Do You Know If You're Child Needs Counseling?
Maybe its a sign of the times, maybe we're more informed than previous generations, but today's youth seem to have more than they're fair share of emotional and mental trauma. Up to 60% of children experience some sort of abuse, so it should be no surprise that more and more children experience emotional trauma to one extent or another. With that in mind, how do you know if your child will bounce back from an emotional trauma or if you should seek counseling for them. Keeping the following signs in mind will help you to know.
Persistance
If your child has a strong reaction to bullying, the death of a loved one, a major move, or some other disturbance in their life, you do not automatically need to seek counseling. However, if weeks go by, and your child does not seem to be getting any better, than it may be time to seek help.
Impaired Capacity
If children are so anxious or stressed out that they can't function in normal situations, then you may need to take them to counseling. For example, if you have a daughter who breaks up with her boyfriend and gets so stressed out that she can't bear to see her ex in class, it might be time to get help.
Harm
If children talk about harming themselves or others, waiting to see if it is just a phase is too much of a risk. Even if you suspect the talk is simply a cry for attention, you should seek help so your child can learn more constructive ways of dealing with whatever problems they have.
Obsession with Death
It is only natural for a child to explore the concept of death. After all, it is part of our human existence and especially after the death of a loved one, a child may show an increased interest in the concept of death. On the other hand, if your child can't seem to leave the idea of death alone, then you may need to seek professional help for your child.
As a parent, you have insight into your child that others will not share. Be available to your children to talk, let them know they can confide in you, counsel with them. Because in the end, the most important factor in determining whether your children need counseling is your parental intuition. Way the above criteria in terms of what you know about your child, and then decide whether you and your child will be able to work through tough situations on your own, or if it is time to seek help. Just remember that while it is good for children to learn on their own how to deal with tough situations in their life, receiving counseling, from a health center like NeuroHealth Arlington Heights, can be an invaluable aid to both you and your child in learning strategies to deal with tough situations.