All children have emotional ups and downs throughout their lives and many will have periods of moodiness, dips in academic performance, and trouble with relationships.
While some struggles are normal, it’s important as a parent to know when to seek help.
Even when done well, there can still be ‘bumps in the road’ when parenting. It is important that parents are able to provide support in a sensitive way, and seek assistance whether for themselves, their child or their family when required.
Our child counselling service in Newcastle provide some tips below for spotting when your child or you as a parent may benefit from support from a child therapist or child psychologist.
- Your Child is Having Difficulty with Adjustment
Growing up is hard and your child might have problems with settling into new schools, adapting to changes at home, or the arrival/loss of a family member. While difficult periods of adjustment are normal, if your son or daughter is suffering academically or showing behavioural problems at home, this could be a sign that your child needs support.
In this case, it might be helpful for you to talk to a child psychologist or child counsellor about their difficulty to see if they can help.
- They are Withdrawing from People
If your child often feels bad about themselves or they appear less confident than others, this too can be a sign that your son or daughter is unhappy. Often this can lead to withdrawal or avoidance of school, home and even other children their age (including friends).
At other times, withdrawal can also manifest as them worrying about the future, violent behaviour towards others, and/or staying in their room. In any of these circumstance, you can contact our child counselling service in Newcastle for advice.
- They Stop Taking Part in Activities they Enjoy
When a child stops taking part in activities they enjoy, this can be a sign that they are unhappy and/or depressed.
Dropping out of sports classes, starting to sleep more, refusing to talk to others, or losing their appetite can be confusing for parents and speaking to one of our therapists can help you understand their difficulty, and help your child work through their problems.
- Self-Destructive Behaviours
Children who display repetitive self-destructive behaviours such as hair pulling, skin picking or other types of self-harm should seek out a child counselling service in Newcastle as this shows your son or daughter is experiencing high levels of stress.
For more information about our Child Counselling Services or Child Psychologists in Newcastle or to make an appointment, call us on 07966 645 198.
Best wishes,
Dr Stuart Sadler
Chartered Clinical Psychologist
Newcastle Psychologist & Counselling
