Parents & Children: When might a psychologist be supportive?

It is important that we pay careful attention to our children’s wellbeing in general and that includes mental health. Early intervention is the most effective pathway to ensure that your child is not dealing with more than they can manage.  

Working with children requires a collaborative approach. We recognise the parent as the primary carer of the child however sometimes it is good to work in collaboration with a psychologist can be useful. OnBundock answers some questions to help determine whether you should seek extra support.
 
Why take my child to see a psychologist?
Psychologists can help your child make the difficult times a little bit easier.  Every child has their own and we want to help them play on those strengths to reach their absolute potential. The team can help with a wide range of topics including:

• Bullying
• Adjusting to change such as parental divorce, moving house or schools, or death of a loved one.
• Controlling emotions and actions.
• Intellectual disabilities.
• Trauma.
• Family and friendship breakdowns.
• We can also help them to do their best in all areas of their lives with achieving academic success and psychological, social and emotional wellbeing.

 
Is the behaviour common for their age?
Children grow at their own pace. Sometimes they may behave a bit immaturely for their age (which is okay!) but if you notice that your child often feels more emotional or distracted than their classmates, there may be an underlying issue.
 
How intense is the behaviour?
Your child is constantly developing and growing. It can be hard to keep up at times! Sometimes this can make it a bit difficult to recognise a tantrum from a worrying behaviour that may need support from a psychologist. When children are struggling with emotions or situations, they may feel confused about how to communicate that. Some signs to look out for in your child are:

• Lack of interest in friends, family and school
• Lack of general engagement. Are they ‘staring off into space’ or daydreaming too often?
• Physically or verbally threatening behaviour towards you or others
• Crying more often or having more tantrums
• Feeling down or hopeless
• Physical pain for no reason. If your child complains of having headaches or tummy pain when there is no underlying physical problem, then they may be having difficulty with intense emotions.
• Difficulties completing daily activities. Are intense moods or actions getting in the way of engaging in school, healthy sleeping schedule (e.g. too many nightmares) or diet?

 
You know your child better than anyone. Trust your instincts. If there’s something going on with your child that you feel you can’t ignore and there is no physical underlying issue, then seeing a psychologist might be just the thing to get them back on track.
 
How long has the behaviour gone on for?
Some outbursts or sad feelings that your child displays may be a reasonable response to their surroundings, such as a death in the family. Giving lots of love, affection and positive attention through these times may be all that your child needs. But if the behaviour goes on for too long and begins to affect their school grades and other once enjoyed activities, then talking with a psychologist might give them the tools to help make things easier.   
 
What can I do while waiting for an appointment?
Speaking with friends, family, teachers and others who are in contact with your child is a great way to gather information. This might also help to find out if they see the same differences in behaviour.
 
Sometimes it can help to talk about it if you’re unsure whether you should follow up on your and your child’s concerns. Call our reception team at OnBundock on
(07) 4724 0861 and we can organise a psychologist to contact you to ensure you’ll be getting the right support for your little one.
 
*Some behaviours children display may be considered emergencies and require immediate attention through calling 000, Lifeline or a mental health clinic. These behaviours include:

• Intentional self-harm, suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Alarming and aggressive behaviour
• Hearing disruptive/threatening voices or hallucinations that aren’t there
• Complete withdrawal from ability to complete everyday routines.