Top Signs Your Little One Needs to See a Child Therapist

Are there signs that your child needs to see a child therapist?

There’s no doubt about it. Rough numbers suggest a child experiencing a form of trauma can be in the hundreds. And the chances are, it’s likely that your child has experienced some form of trauma, whether it be at home or school.

Convinced your child is struggling with a mental illness but not sure if therapy is the next step? Keep on reading for a breakdown of the top signs your child needs to head to a child therapist’s office.

Changes in Appetite

If your child used to enjoy meals, but now refuses to eat or spoon-feeds, it’s a good idea to contact a child therapist for advice. If your child is losing or gaining weight because of poor appetite, this could be a mental disorder such as anorexia or a health condition.

If your child has started hoarding food or taking more than their share of the food, they may have an emotional issue. If your little one is eating huge amounts of food, this could be a sign of stress. Seeing a child’s therapist can help your little one manage their nutrition issues and help them regain a healthy appetite.

Mood Swings

Mood swings can be an early sign that your little one needs to see a therapist. A normal change in mood or a few bad days here and there is nothing to worry about. But, if your child’s mood swings seem to go far beyond the average, or if extreme emotions, it would be wise to get help from a child therapist.

Also, if you observe your child withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed, don’t hesitate to get professional help. Early treatment ensures that your little one can grow into a secure, confident individual.

Excessive Fear And/or Worry

Excessive fear and worry are common signs that your child may need to see a child therapist. If you notice your child exhibiting fear or worry more often than is typical, it is recommended that you seek professional help. Common signs of excessive fear and worry that call for therapy include:

  • frequent nightmares and displaying irrational fears
  • inability to take part in activities due to fear or worry
  • nausea or physical ailments
  • regular anxious feelings
  • feelings of fear with unfamiliar people, places, or situations
  • and avoiding activities due to fear

If your child continues to display any of these behaviors, consulting with a child therapist should be a top priority. Seeking professional help can help your little one learn tips and skills to cope with their fears and worries. Therapy from your home is available and can free up time and resources for the busy parent.

Aggression

Signs of aggression may show that your child needs to see a child therapist. If your child often engages in behaviors such as yelling, hitting, biting, kicking, or pushing, this could be a sign that they are having difficulty expressing their feelings.

These behaviors may be directed towards peers and adults they interact with, or towards the child themselves. It’s also important to note if your child appears to be struggling with handling emotions, as this could be a sign that they need help in regulating their feelings.

If your child is engaging in aggressive behaviors with something other than peers, such as objects, then it might be time to seek professional help. A child therapist can help your child develop coping skills and communicate their feelings in a better way.

Changes in Academic Performance

Signs of a child needing a child therapist include a drop or change in academic performance. If your child has been doing well academically but has suddenly started getting lower grades and often seems overwhelmed and confused about unfinished work or exams, be alert.

If your child has become disinterested and unmotivated in their studies, it could show a deeper issue. Other warning signs may include a lack of enthusiasm for going to school or signs of avoidance. Difficulties in concentration and poor organizational skills are also common signs.

Difficulty in Following Rules

As young children develop, they need to learn the importance of following rules to act in society. If your little one is having difficulty following the rules, it may be a sign that they need to see a child therapist.

Are they more prone to acting out, rarely listening to instructions or warnings, and getting into trouble at school or home? Do they have frequent, out-of-control episodes where you feel unable to get through to them?

These are all potential signs that a therapist may be able to help. The therapist can assess the situation and help your little one to build healthy coping skills, so they can do better at obeying rules and develop into a responsible adult.

Social and Behavioral Issues

Children need to see a child therapist if they are having difficulty managing their emotions, making friends, or getting along with family. Your child may start expressing themselves in negative ways, have difficulty controlling their emotions, become rebellious, or find it hard to focus on tasks.

They may also be more prone to outbursts, tantrums, and sleeplessness. They may start suffering from anxiety or depression or become particularly withdrawn from social activities. If you have noticed any of these signs in your little one, it is important to speak to your doctor or a child behavioral therapist to help make sure your little one is getting the support they need.

Signs of Needing a Child Therapist

If your child is exhibiting signs of needing to see a therapist, it is important to act sooner rather than later. A trained child therapist can help your child work through their struggles and give them the tools they need to lead a mentally healthy life. Reach out to a child therapist today to help your child receive the support they need.

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