There is a growing conflict between how society expects children to act versus the support children actually need to succeed. Child therapy can help children distinguish this difference and grow in a positive and supportive way.
Oftentimes, society places increasing demands on children to present themselves as fully functioning individuals. This pressure can inhibit healthy growth and development among young children. As parents, caretakers, teachers, or adults in a young child’s life- we must embrace the way in which children act and see the world. Especially in today’s time, it is vital that we allow children to be children. Child therapy is an effective way of teaching children to learn and explore the world in a safe, nurturing, and positive way.
Children Need to Move
Society teaches children that they need to sit still. Children who exhibit these behaviors may receive rewards or positive attention and praise over children who struggle to do so. As a result of trying to restrict their movements, children may exhibit acting-out behaviors. These behaviors can include temper tantrums, hitting and kicking, fidgeting, crying, or self-harm. Therefore, try to avoid reprimanding a child who appears to act-out. It could simply mean that they are longing for an outlet to release their frustrations.
Children are full of spirit and a zest for life. They love to be curious, explore new spaces, pretend, and let their imaginations roam free. Their little bodies harness energy that demands release through creative play and physical movements. With that said, it is important that we provide spaces for children to feel free and exert any pent-up energy. Some physical activities that encourage children to move include:
- Allow them to run outside
- Practice yoga
- Play music and encourage them to dance
- Paint or play with clay
- Jump rope or play hopscotch
- Exercises such as jumping jacks and running in place
Children Need to Release their Emotions. Child therapy can help.
Society teaches children that they need to control their emotions. If a child is crying in public or expressing anger during class time, society deems this as unacceptable. As a result, adults may feel pressured to punish the child. This reprimanding ultimately teaches children that they must suppress their emotions, and that they are not safe to freely express themselves.
Instead, children need help learning how to regulate their emotions. Children must learn that experiencing sadness and anger is okay, and that these emotions can be channeled in a healthy way. Reading books about emotions to children is a good place to start. Comforting them in times of distress is another effective way of validating their emotional experience.
Children Need to Learn through Exploration
As curious beings, children need to learn through exploration. Unfortunately, society teaches children that they should “look but not touch.” Restricting a child from engaging in exploration impedes on their ability to learn. Children not only learn through observation, but through hands-on and tactile experiences as well. Activities that you can do with a child to increase sensory awareness and allow for exploration include building a tower, finger painting, putting on a puppet show, baking a dessert, paper mache, kinesthetic sand, sensory tables, or science projects.
Children Need Help Understanding the Needs of Others
Although sharing is caring, children experience immense pressure to share with others. As a child, this is a difficult process to grasp because children need help understanding the needs of others. Forcing a child to share when they do not want to can cause the child to react aggressively. The child may respond by clutching tightly onto the object, running away with or hiding the object, yelling, or crying. As caretakers, we can support prosocial behaviors among children by praising positive interactions, helping children to develop a sense of empathy, creating opportunities for playtime with other children, and recognizing that each child learns and develops at their own pace.
Children Need to Practice New Skills
Furthermore, society asserts that children must pay attention and direct their focus accordingly. This is increasingly difficult for children as they learn best by practicing new skills. As parents and educators, it is important that we encourage children to demonstrate newly learned skills and tasks, as this helps them gain confidence and mastery.
Child Therapy Can Help Children Thrive
Working with a therapist can help children develop the skills they need to thrive. At Wisdom Within Counseling, we offer play therapies, creative art therapies, music therapies, animal therapy groups, and outdoor nature sessions. These child therapy specialities provide children with an outlet to channel their emotions, learn positive coping tools, and explore and grow in a healthy way. Our team of holistic therapists specialize in working with children that present a range of concerns including selective mutism, anxiety, trauma, disordered eating, outbursts, and more. We strive to provide a safe space for children to embrace their imaginative side and simply be children.
To begin, click the button below to begin receiving support for your child.
The author of this article is Irinel Fishlock, a mental health counseling graduate student and Intake Coordinator at Wisdom Within Counseling.
