When something is excessively bothering a child, it is best that they are properly and promptly diagnosed, so they could get the most appropriate treatment. The sooner this happens, the easier it is to free them from gripping symptoms and to improve the outlook of their conditions.

As parents, you want to provide them the best opportunities in life. Yet, you also want to avoid unnecessary repercussions in time and money, not to mention your personal fears. Trying to do a balancing act, you are likely to ask: When is the best time to bring my child to a counselor?

If family and friends, even the pediatrician, are telling you not to worry because they will eventually grow out of whatever it is that they are struggling with, they could be right. But then, they can also be wrong.

For instance, toddlers being afraid to sleep on their own beds/rooms is not unnatural. In time, they may overcome the fear. If they, however, cannot sleep because of recurring night terrors or bad dreams after an event, like a vehicular accident that they witnessed or experienced, it is a fear that needs to be processed and resolved. The child needs child therapy.

So, when must you wait and when must you bring your child to a child therapist?

You can, perhaps wait, if the cause that altered your child’s behavior or functioning can still change in a relatively short period of time as they get adjusted. Such events include the divorce of parents, the addition of a new family member like the birth of a baby, etc. Sometimes, waiting can take time. If your child is exhibiting red flags, however, it is a good idea to bring him/her to a therapist right away.

When must you take immediate action?

According to the Child Mind Institute’s Understood, “There are times when it’s clearly not a good idea to wait to get your child help for mental health issues.” It cites the following observations:

Eating disorders: The longer a child lives with an eating disorder, the harder it is to recover. Getting treatment as quickly as possible can save her life.

Family history: If (emotional) illness runs in your family, be aware of the increased possibility that your child will begin to develop a disorder…

Cutting: If you discover your child has been hurting herself, even if she says it was a one-time thing, it’s important to get help…

A child’s troubling behavior may soon pass. There is no reason to overthink or to be alarmed. If the symptoms, however, are persistent, unreasonable and intense, you should not take second chance. This is the life of your precious child that we are talking about. Seeking expert help these days is easy. Contact us – Carolina Counseling Services – Fuquay-Varina (N. Main St.), NC – for online counseling, otherwise known as teletherapy or telemental health. Let’s talk.