Does your child often “act out” for no apparent reason? Perhaps you are worried they might have signs of dyslexia, autism or ADHD or some other form of developmental delay? Maybe you are concerned that they are falling behind other children in reaching certain milestones?
Children often find it hard to tell us how they are feeling. They get angry or frustrated and hit out, yelling and screaming. Maybe they seem uncoordinated and bump into things, often say “huh” or “what”, or find it difficult to make friends.
Behaviours as signs of Development Delay
All of these behaviours can be signs of development delay. Immaturities in your child’s early development can show up in your their movements, emotions, behaviour, learning and communication.
What is Development Delay?
Early Development Started before Birth
Your child’s early development began before they were even born. While they were still in utero they were moving and listening to the sounds of your voice. After birth, your child slowly gained new skills, especially during floor play and tummy time, the building blocks for learning.
Sometimes, however, this early development can be interrupted. You may have noticed that your child is not reaching milestones the same as other children the same age. Perhaps they are struggling to keep up at school?
Gaps in early development can make it harder for your child to learn. They may struggle to read and write, make friends, or sit still and concentrate at school.
Development Happens Naturally
Child development happens naturally in a pre-determined sequence, and can’t be rushed. Each stage depends on the completion of earlier stages. It’s a bit like building a tower of blocks. If you don’t make the foundations strong, then the rest of the tower will topple.
Since 2005 I have been supporting children with developmental delay. When these early immaturities have been addressed, the children have been able to continue to learn, with benefits not only in the classroom, but also with friendships, and sporting achievements.
It’s never too late to start to help your child.
Support for Parents and Carers
A good place to start is with supporting you, the parents and carers. You are one of the most important people in your child’s life, and we will be working together to help your child.
Individual Counselling or Psychotherapy sessions offer you a place to talk privately about your concerns. Together we can work out the best way to help your child. Of course, everything you say in these sessions is kept completely confidential.
The Circle of Security Parenting Program
Many parents have found the Circle of Security Parenting program has helped build closer relationships with their children. When we can see the meaning behind a child’s behaviour, it helps to understand why they are happening, and how we can help them.
This parenting program is available both individually and for small groups. It can be helpful to share your parenting experiences with other parents, as there are always others facing exactly the same issues that you are.
Parents in recent classes have commented that:
“Every parent should do this”, and “This program has changed our lives”
The Next Step
Talking to your counsellor is a good place to start if you are worried about your child’s early development. There are a number of program that can help, such as The Extra Lesson program that I trained in.
