{"id":2367,"date":"2017-09-26T14:18:10","date_gmt":"2017-09-26T19:18:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.osfhealthcare.org\/blog\/?p=2367"},"modified":"2020-03-25T20:09:52","modified_gmt":"2020-03-26T01:09:52","slug":"when-should-your-child-see-a-therapist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/osf-blog.live.imagescape.com\/blog\/when-should-your-child-see-a-therapist\/","title":{"rendered":"When should your child see a therapist?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve probably experienced a bit of anxiety over a new job. Will you fit in? Will you get lost on your way to the conference room? Do your new coworkers eat at their desks or do they go out for lunch?<\/p>\n

That\u2019s completely natural.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe unknown causes anxiety,\u201d said Ruth Ann Jennings, behavioral health therapist at OSF HealthCare Medical Group – Behavioral Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But when it comes to our kids, sometimes we tend to downplay those same worries.<\/p>\n

For many of our kids, they\u2019ve entered a new world \u2013 making the leap from elementary school to junior high. Or they\u2019re struggling with changes in their bodies, and the insecurities that can bring.<\/p>\n

\u201cI think sometimes we minimize a lot of that because we\u2019ve been through it before. We forget that it\u2019s brand new for kids,\u201d said Jennings. \u201cBut there are things we can do as parents, grandparents or professionals to help them understand these feelings and how to deal with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Offer support<\/h2>\n

Most of the time, the best thing a parent can do to support their child is to be there for them and offer coping mechanisms \u2013 like listening to music, or even playing with slime.<\/p>\n

But how do you know when to seek further help?<\/p>\n

\u201cNot every problem in a child\u2019s life requires a therapist,\u201d said Jennings. But there are some signs to look out for.<\/p>\n

Talk to your pediatrician if you see any sudden change in your child\u2019s behavior, such as:<\/p>\n