When is the right time to reach out for counseling for my child?
We moved houses when my middle child was finishing up her Pre-K year. During the few months leading up to the transition and for a few months afterward, my generally sweet and silly five year old became virtually unrecognizable. She started hitting, having major meltdowns, and became increasingly perfectionistic when playing games or drawing a picture. My husband and I started feeling like we were walking on egg shells in our own home. It was a lot!
During this time, we decided to reach out to Claire Dickey, a counselor at Tandem Counseling, to get our daughter some specialized care.
My daughter immediately took to Claire, and it was so helpful to have another pair of eyes on our child and to know she was building another secure attachment outside our home. Claire helped understand that beneath the behaviors was a little girl trying to make sense of a big life transition. She gave our daughter a safe place to express her feelings and equipped us with practical ways to support her at home.
Over time, we watched our joyful, confident child begin to emerge again.
One of the biggest lessons I learned through that experience is that you don't have to wait until things feel like a crisis to seek counseling for your child. Therapy isn't only for the biggest or most severe challenges. Sometimes it's simply about giving your child additional support during a season that's especially hard.
As parents, we know our children better than anyone else. If you're noticing that your child seems different than themselves—that they're more anxious, withdrawn, angry, overwhelmed, or struggling to cope—and those changes persist or begin affecting daily life, it's worth paying attention.
You don't have to have all the answers before reaching out.
At Tandem Counseling, we often tell parents that seeking therapy isn't an admission that you've done something wrong. In fact, it's often a sign that you're paying close attention to your child's needs. Sometimes children need another trusted adult who can help them process big feelings in ways that are developmentally appropriate and easier for them than talking with Mom or Dad.
If you're wondering whether it's "time," trust that question. You don't have to wait until things get worse.
Early support can make a meaningful difference, and we're here to partner with your family every step of the way.