6 Signs Your Child Needs Counseling

Changes in your child’s personality can leave you wondering, “Does my child need therapy?” Sometimes, these changes become prominent due to a traumatic experience, while other times, they can emerge out of the blue. Regardless of the reason, they are essential to pay attention to as they can help you determine if and when to seek counseling for your child. Read on to learn about the six signs that indicate your child could benefit from counseling.

#1 Defiant Behaviors

One of the most common signs that your child may need counseling is if they are having behavior problems both inside and outside of the home. You may find them more inclined to argue, complain, and become defensive, even over the most minor request or conversation. Pay attention to these responses, especially if they occur more frequently than usual. Often, this is your child asking for help without them knowing it.

When it comes to school and other activities outside of the home, stay connected to the teachers and other parents who interact with your child on a day-to-day basis. Consider letting them know you are concerned and to let you know if they see any abnormally defiant behaviors in your child.

#2 Sudden Shift in Usual Interests and Habits

Similar to the shift in behavior, changes in your child’s day-to-day interests and habits can signal that your child may also need counseling. Most commonly, significant changes in eating, sleeping, and personal interests are easiest to spot and typically the most suggestive. If these changes last longer than two weeks, consider scheduling a check-up with your child’s doctor. They may be able to point you in the right direction if they believe emotional stressors are the cause.

#3 Excessive Worrying and Sadness

Perhaps the most direct and evident of this list, excessive worrying and sadness are sure-tell signs that your child may need help beyond your reach. While they can be expected, especially during life transitions and changes, when these emotions become excessive and begin to consume your child and their thoughts, that is when you should take a closer look.

#4 Regressions

Regressions are common when a new sibling is born, a divorce occurs, or other significant life changes occur in the home. However, consider taking a closer look when they happen for seemingly no reason. Here are a few of the most common that signal that your child may need counseling:

Bedwetting (when already night trained)
Frequent temper tantrums
Separation anxiety and clinginess
Excessive anxiety and fearfulness
Language regression (using “baby talk”)

#5 Social Isolation

If you notice your child withdrawing socially, this is also a sign to take a closer look at what is going on emotionally. When children are sad or anxious, they often withdraw from social situations and turn inward. When this begins to happen regularly and takes away from their interpersonal relationships, it is time to consider that it may be more than just a sad day. This is especially true if shyness and introverted tendencies are not common personality traits for your child. So, what might social isolation look like as a child? Here are a few ways that children isolate when they are upset:

Eating lunch alone
Avoiding playdates and other social activities
A lack of desire to leave the house for any reason

#6 Talking About Self-Harm

Lastly, and most urgently, if your child expresses any feelings or ideas of self-harm, it is crucial that you seek help for them right away. Sometimes, this can subtly present with hints of hopelessness and feeling alone. However, other times, it is much more direct and can be acknowledged through the presence of suicidal thoughts and cutting.

While suicidal thoughts and cutting may seem excessive for younger children, it is important to note that feelings of self-harm can be expressed in several different ways. Signs in young children include hitting oneself, banging one’s head against something, and digging nails into the skin. If you are noticing any self-harm behaviors, take note of them and get help for your child right away.

Get Your Child the Help They Deserve

Getting help for your child should not be an emotionally draining and tedious task, and luckily, it’s not! All For Kids offers an extensive range of counseling programs and services for your child from the ages of 0-21. With a large focus on vulnerable communities and those who typically may not be able to receive the proper support that they need, All For Kids goes far beyond by offering various behavioral health services specifically tailored to each child individually.

The sooner you pinpoint the signs your child needs counseling, the quicker you can get them the help they need. With the signs listed above, you can be sure that you will know what to look out for when it comes to your child’s mental health and emotional well-being.

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