When you have children, you have a 24-hour job. Temper tantrums, messy rooms, or school problems can be a typical part of a child’s development. Parents often ask themselves if their children’s behavioral issues are a normal part of development or issues that need intervention. Some signs your child’s behavior may need professional intervention can include purposefully hurting themselves, showing a pattern of aggression, purposely damaging property or other people, and more.
Behavioral problems may remain a serious challenge that negatively affects the child’s social and academic lives. However, some behavioral problems can escalate into crimes. It could develop into a misdemeanor (a low-level crime) but – for example- once it escalates to DUIs, drug offenses, or violent crimes, Michigan law requires it to be prosecuted as a felony.
Once you conclude your child’s behavior needs intervention, mental health experts recommend parents seek help from a behavioral therapist. The sooner you get help for your child, the sooner they may avoid future mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. One behavioral problem that can benefit from therapy is bed-wetting. Child psychology experts estimate bed-wetting remains a habit of 15% of children, even at age five. Read on to learn more about why you should invest in behavioral therapy for your child.
1. Therapy Teaches Children New Ways to Cope
After thoroughly evaluating the child’s problems, the therapist will use therapeutic methods to resolve those problems. Therapists sometimes use toys and games to help the child act out their role in the behavioral problem. This tactic may be useful in guiding children toward a solution. 36% of all regular exercisers participate in some form of fitness class. A fitness class may be a great way to help young children cope with their emotions.
2. Therapy Helps Children to Identify and Avoid Triggers
By using restructuring, therapists help children identify triggers or negative thought patterns. They also suggest ways to respond to triggers more positively. Therapists also use exposure therapy – which includes purposely allowing the child to experience their triggers – but learn not to act on them.
3. Therapy Helps Children Learn It’s OK to Ask For Help
Children with behavioral problems may feel powerless to stop their negative behaviors. They may feel there is no way to stop. Seeing their parents support them as they undergo therapy will help children realize it is okay for them to receive help. This will also help them feel invested in improving their behaviors.
4. Therapy Gives Children Someone to Confide In
Children may find themselves feeling unable to tell anyone about problems in their lives. They may be bullied at school or have severe academic problems. They might be struggling with their sexuality or reacting to an impending divorce. A therapist can become a safe way for a child or teen to confide in someone they can trust.
5. Therapy Adds Another Member to the Support Team
When your child has a severe problem, it becomes your problem. It’s natural to want to do anything in your power to help them. Dealing with your child’s problems will add stress to any problems you have in your own life- so, adding a therapist to the team helping your child will give the whole family a therapeutic resource.
To select the right therapist for your child, consider several factors. Your health insurance may have a list of preferred therapists. The list may provide details about the therapists’ experience and the ages they work with. Even if your insurance provides coverage, don’t forget to include any required copayments into your budget. A behavioral therapist will be significant if your child is struggling with negative behaviors. If you need further assistance, reach out to a medical professional, such as your child’s pediatrician. They may be able to provide some insight into the next steps that you can take.