Recognizing Signs of Emotional and Behavioral Issues in Children & How Child Therapy Can Help

25 May Recognizing Signs of Emotional and Behavioral Issues in Children & How Child Therapy Can Help

As parents, we all want our children to be healthy, happy and well-adjusted individuals. However, some children struggle with emotional and behavioral issues that can be difficult for parents to recognize and manage on their own. These issues can impact a child’s ability to learn, socially interact and function effectively in their daily lives. That’s where child therapy can be an effective solution to help children learn to communicate successfully and manage their emotions.

Signs Your Child May Have an Emotional or Behavioral Issue

Difficulty Managing Emotions

Children who struggle with managing their emotions may display signs of extreme emotional outbursts that are disproportionate to the situation at hand. For example, they may appear angry or aggressive over minor issues such as when having a common disagreement with a loved one. They may also become visibly upset and cry for extended periods of time, even over issues that would not usually be an emotional trigger. Children who have difficulty managing their emotions may also exhibit signs of anxiety, depression, or general withdrawal from day-to-day situations. As a caregiver, it is vital to recognize these emotional signals early on and if having trouble addressing them, seek professional help from a child therapist. 

Social Isolation

Social isolation is a significant sign your child may be having issues. It is important to understand that it can manifest in various different ways. For instance, children who struggle with social isolation may struggle to interact with peers or other people in social settings, particularly in group situations. As a result, they may shy away from group activities or become overly reliant on solitary play without seeking interaction from other children. Socially isolated children may also appear indifferent when meeting up with their peers, showing unwillingness or reluctance to engage in conversation or playtime. In some cases, they may also become victims of bullying and be excluded from peer groups, which further exacerbates their feelings of isolation. Recognizing these signs and seeking professional help from a child therapist can assist parents in helping their children build confidence and learn social skills to help facilitate social interaction.

Physical Symptoms

Did you know that unexplained physical symptoms can be signs that your child is struggling with emotional or behavioral issues? Here is a list of physical symptoms that a child may exhibit.

• Changes in appetite or weight
• Chronic pain or discomfort
• Difficulty with breathing
• Fatigue or lethargy
• Heavy sweating
• Increased physical agitation
• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping
• Irritability or anger
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid heart rate
• Self-harm or engaging in risky behavior
• Somatic symptoms such as back pain, joint pain, or muscle pain
• Stomach aches
• Unexplained headaches
• Unusual physical complaints without any medical explanation

As a parent or guardian, it is important to keep track of when you observe these symptoms and take action if they persist or escalate. If physical symptoms cannot be tied to a physical ailment or coincide with these other signs, seeking professional help from a child therapist can help identify the root cause of these symptoms and provide targeted interventions.

Changes in Behavior

Children struggling with underlying emotional or behavioral problems often display behavioral changes. As a parent/guardian, you may notice changes in their temperament, such as becoming more irritable, aggressive, apathetic or withdrawn. The child may struggle with regulating emotions, leading to frequent emotional feelings that can appear uncontrollable, with little thought or stimuli to ignite them. The child may start exhibiting secretive or suspicious behavior, which indicate a lack of trust or negative self-image. These changes in behavior can manifest in numerous different ways, and it is essential to recognize them early on because the sooner you seek assistance with dealing with them the better. 

Academic Difficulties

If your child is struggling in school or having difficulty learning, it could be a sign of an emotional or behavioral issue. Since their minds are consumed with internal emotional and behavioral challenges, it can be hard for children to concentrate, learn, and focus in a classroom setting. A child with emotional or behavioral problems may seem more disengaged, lose attention quickly or demonstrate frustration or reluctance to complete homework, and may require assistance to complete tasks. They might struggle to understand directions given to them by teachers or lose track of where they are in their studies. If you recognize these signs in your child, it is essential to take immediate action to seek professional help.

If you notice any of the signs listed above, child therapy can be an effective solution to help children learn to communicate successfully and manage their emotions. Therapists can use a variety of techniques to help children identify their emotions and teach them to express themselves in a healthy way. Play therapy, for example, involves using play as a way for children to communicate their feelings and emotions in a safe and non-threatening environment.

In addition to helping children learn to manage their emotions, therapists can also offer parenting techniques and ideas to help deal with a child’s behavior challenges. Here are some parenting techniques that therapists may recommend:

• Consistency: Children thrive on consistency and routine, so setting consistent rules and consequences can help them understand what is expected of them and promote positive behavior.
• Positive reinforcement: Praising and rewarding children for positive behavior can help promote it and encourage them to continue it.
• Communication: Open and honest communication with your child can help build trust and promote a healthy relationship.
• Control: Providing children with a sense of control can help them feel more confident and capable. This can be achieved by giving them choices or allowing them to participate in decision-making.

If you are a parent or guardian in the Delaware Valley, Psych Choices in Broomall, PA provides child therapy, counseling and more to help you deal with your child’s behavior challenges. Our experienced therapists can offer a variety of techniques, including play therapy, to help your child manage their emotions and communicate successfully. We also offer parenting techniques and ideas to help parents deal with their child’s behavior challenges. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you and your child.