Children don’t think like adults

The reason you may need support from a child psychologist is because children don’t think like adults. And, although we all once thought like children, most adults aren’t aware of just how differently children think, compared to the way we now think as adults. Child psychologists are experts in understanding how children develop mentally, emotionally, socially, and cognitively from birth through adolescence, focusing on their differences from adults.

Engaging a child psychologist can help you understand why your child is behaving differently or displaying extreme emotions, such as anger or moodiness. Seeking advice and support to identify and help resolve the underlying reasons for these issues is often a good way to help restore your child’s positive wellbeing and enable them to develop the resilience needed to cope with everyday life challenges.

Communicating through behaviour

Many of what may be seen as “behavioural issues” in childhood arise from the ability to understand, verbally communicate and process complex or intense feelings or concerns. The impact of family life disruptions or dealing with challenging life events can lead to concerns best supported by a child psychologist to understand and improve.

Child psychologists are trained to assess potential causes, underlying needs or symptoms of mental distress and to address them with empirically proven therapies that might involve playing, talking or engaging other family members. They also provide parents and other carers with strategies to manage and resolve issues in the course of daily life.

What might indicate the need to see a psychologist

The time to see a psychologist is as soon distress or needs disrupt your child’s daily life, impacting on their ability to learn, form friendships or participate in family activities. Specific indicators include:

• issues with sleeping, eating, self-care, or getting tasks done
• social withdrawal, changes or difficulties
• extreme emotional outbursts such as tantrums or crying jags
• persistent anger or moodiness
• persistent sadness or fearfulness
• harsh or negative self-talk
• unexplained physical symptoms such as tummy pain or headaches

Challenging life events

Bullying at school or online is an increasingly common case of mental distress. Other traumatic events that can impact mental health include divorce, loss of a loved family member, relocation to a new home and/or school, witnessing or experience a traumatic accident or act of violence.

Feeling stuck?

Feeling stuck is common experience for parents or carers dealing with a child’s distress, behaviour changes or emotional concerns. Turning to google or other parents for advice is helpful in someways but not the full picture. It is certainly the time to seek support from a child psychologist.

The sooner you do seek professional support, the more positive the outcomes for your child and family. So don’t worry that seeking professional help is somehow a sign of failure to be a successful parent. Instead, recognise it as a positive step to support the health and wellbeing of your whole family.

Reach out to our care team to learn more about how Early Start Australia can support your child and family or contact us today to learn more or book an appointment.