Signs Your Child Might Need to Visit a Counselling Center

Published On: August 27, 2016

Children are very receptive, even at a young age. They can easily pick up when there are problems at home between mom and dad. If they believe there are relationship issues between their parents, it is not uncommon for a child to act out through undesirable behaviours. They might refuse to do their homework, not go to bed on time, or even talk back. In school, they could become disruptive in the classroom and act in inappropriate ways, like talking over the teacher or biting or hitting other students for no reason.

This is just one example of a situation where your child could require counselling with a professional therapist. There are other times too, where a child could be exhibiting certain signs that indicate a bigger problem is brewing internally and they are struggling with how to resolve and address it.

• Your child is showing regressive behaviors. Regression is common when there are major changes in a child’s life, like a divorce, the birth of a new baby, and a move to a new city. However, if your child is regressing and there have been no major changes and is throwing tantrums, wetting the bed, or is overly fearful it could indicate there is a problem.
• Your child has become destructive. Destructive behaviors can range from intentionally breaking toys to inflecting harm upon themselves. An occasional accident is one thing and repeated destruction of property and harm to others and themselves is another thing entirely.
• Your other children are afraid of their sibling. Regardless of the age of the child acting out, your other children will notice their unruly behaviour. They might ask you why their brother or sister gets to make all the decisions for the family or ask to be excluded from family activities. Whenever the problematic child is in the room, your other children may retreat to the safety of their own bedrooms.
• Your child’s behaviour is creating a strain on your marriage. If you and your spouse are having difficulties in deciding the best address your child’s behaviour, or is placing the responsibility upon one parent, then it is time to seek outside help for the entire family.
• Your child has become obsessed with death. It is a normal part of childhood development for your child to ask questions about death and dying. However, when they constantly talk about the topic, different ways they want to kill their siblings, parents, or friends, or constantly says they wish they were dead, it should be a warning sign of an underlying issue.

Keep in mind every child is different and the signs they exhibit can vary. As a parent, if you are not sure if your child needs help or what to do, you can benefit from discussing their behavior with counsellor to obtain a professional opinion. Feel free to contact Bayridge Counselling Centre today by calling 905-319-1488. We are here to help you, your child, and your family overcome problems in a safe, caring, and secure environment.

For more information, visit us at any of our Counselling Centers in Burlington, Brampton, Hamilton, Grimsby, Mississauga, Muskoka, Oakville, St. Catharines and Kitchener/Waterloo.