Real Reasons Parents Bring Their Young Children to Therapy

Therapy in the early years for children ages 0-5 can often be overlooked and misunderstood. However, we know the early years are crucial in setting strong foundations for a child's life long well-being and early intervention can be transformative for your family. In this blog, I am breaking down some of the most common reasons parents have started therapy with me before to help demystify early childhood therapy.

Common Reasons Parents Start Therapy with their Toddler or Preschooler:

Big Feelings Are Taking Over Your House:

“Their daily meltdowns go from 0-100”

“I feel like I’m walking on egg shells around my kid”

“Nothing works to calm them down”

“I feel completely overwhelmed and hopeless when they have a tantrum”

Routines & Transitions Are Hard:

“They have a really hard time transitioning away from what they want to do”

“Everyday is full of tug-o-war battles to do anything”

“Bedtime or morning routine is a nightmare”

Anxiety & Fears:

“They meltdown when we go anywhere new or around new people”

“They talk at home but not at school/daycare”

“I notice they always stay close to me and cling to me in public”

“Waking up with nightmares and afraid to go to sleep“

Big Changes:

“They have a hard time transitioning between houses after we separated”

“More tears saying goodbye since my work schedule changed/we moved homes”

“Since baby sibling was born, they having more meltdowns and constantly want my attention”

School or Daycare Challenges:

“They have a hard time at drop-off for school/daycare”

“We are always on edge if they will have a good day at school or not”

“My child hits and kicks kids in the classroom”

“Their teacher is concerned about their difficulty following directions in class”

Parent Child Relationship:

“I feel like I never really bonded with my child”

“I want to be able to play & connect with my kid and not dread it”

“I struggle with anxiety/depression which makes it hard to respond to my child’s big feelings”

*please note, a lot of these concerns can be considered typical in early childhood so it is important to consult with a professional if you are uncertain if it is typical child development or a concern needing support.

When Should I Take My Toddler or Preschooler to Therapy?

✨Concerns are ongoing, intense, or interfering with daily life

✨It’s significantly impacting your wellbeing as parent

✨Your child seems consistently distressed and overwhelmed

What Does Therapy Look Like with a Toddler or Preschooler?

Therapy might look like:

• Parent Coaching or Support Services

• Parent-Child Therapy

• Family Therapy

• Child Play Therapy with Parent Involvement

Regardless of the services you seek out, it always includes LOTS of parent support & should be play based with little ones. The number 1 priority in early childhood therapy is to provide the needed support to you as a parent in navigating the early years with your little ones. It is about family well-being, not about finding a problem with you or your child.

Want to learn more about what therapy is in the early years? Click Here to read my blog on Play Therapy For Littles:"Isn't My Child Too Young For Therapy?".

If you think you and your child may benefit from therapy services, reach out to your Pediatrician or a local mental health professional.

Remember, needing help doesn't mean you have done anything wrong as a parent, reaching out means you are an amazing parent <3

Live in California and interested in services for your family?

Click here to learn more about supportive therapy services with Priscilla!