May 9th - Childrens Mental Health Awareness Day

Why do we need this?  Isn’t childhood a carefree time for most kids?

Actually, children experience all the same emotions adults do, negative ones included.  Young children do not know how to handle these feelings and consequently engage in what adults regard as misbehavior. Often that misbehavior is actually a communication that a child is not happy about something.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended that children have a yearly “check-up” of their behavioral health when they have their regular physical exam.  This recommendation came about as a result of the developing recognition that healthy child development encompasses the whole child, looking at emotional as well as physical well-being.

Some parents worry about their child but are afraid to share this with a professional. Some parents are embarrassed by their child’s behavior or feel that they will be regarded as “bad” parents. Actually, many problems children experience can be handled and overcome with brief professional guidance. The earlier the parent makes an effort to figure out what’s going on, the sooner the problem can get solved.

As a clinical social worker specializing in working with young children and as mother myself, I have a deep appreciation of the job description of “parent” and how all-encompassing and tough it is. I believe that we should all be able to have help with parenting our children when we need it, no stigma attached.  Especially in this age when extended family involvement is limited for many young couples, asking for help or advice should not be a cause for embarrassment, but rather, should be supported and encouraged.

How does a parent know when to ask for help? Different ages and developmental stages bring new challenges to children. Imagine if your body was always growing and changing, new demands were presented to you regularly, new skills had to be mastered all the time. The normal stresses of childhood may cause transitory problems which are resolved without professional intervention. However, if your child‘s problems persist and interfere with her functioning at home or in school, it is time to find out why. You can always ask your pediatrician if you are concerned.

For a free, confidential behavioral health screening, contact me at The Guidance Center of Westchester.

This blog post is written by Iva Jenkins, LCSW, Early Childhood Social Work Supervisor at The Guidance Center of Westchester.