Does My Child Need Therapy? Signs Parents Shouldn’t Ignore

Every morning before school, 7-year-old Lucas would hold his stomach and plead to stay home. His parents took him to the pediatrician, who found no medical reason for his complaints. “We realized it wasn’t about being sick; it was about being scared,” his mom explained. “But we didn’t know what steps to take next.”

For many families, anxiety first appears in the body: headaches, stomachaches, or trouble sleeping, which can leave parents wondering if it’s a phase or if their child needs extra help. 

The tug-of-war between hoping your child will grow out of it and wondering if it’s time to seek support is a common experience. 

The truth is, you don’t need to wait until things reach a crisis. Kids don’t have to be in a dire situation to gain from therapy.

Just as we take them for regular check-ups at the doctor, therapy is a safe and proactive way to support their emotional well-being and help them develop skills to manage their emotions as their brains and hormones respond to their environment.

In other words, the timing is ideal. Since they are already growing and changing, there's no reason not to teach them about their nervous system, which also evolves and reacts. 

Why Parents Hesitate

Are you one of the parents we talk to every day who carry the following list of worries? Maybe not all, but even just one? 

• “What if therapy makes my child feel different?”

• “What if I caused this?”

• “What if this is just what growing up is now?”

  
  

If you’ve ever had these thoughts, you’re not alone. The reality is that therapy isn’t aimed at fixing a “problem child.” Instead, it provides children with a safe environment in which to learn, heal, and develop, while also supporting their parents (perhaps even just by helping the child learn about their behavior better!)

Everyday Signs That Therapy Could Help

Think of your child’s emotional health like a garden. Some weeds are small and easy to pull on your own.

Others grow quickly, spreading roots deep enough to crowd out what’s thriving.

Here are some signs therapy might help:

• Big emotions that overwhelm them: meltdowns, outbursts, or frustration they can’t shake.
  

• Anxiety that holds them back: headaches, stomachaches, or endless worries about school and friends.
  

• Isolation: pulling away from playdates, family, or favorite activities.
  

• Behavior changes at school: slipping grades, discipline issues, or frequent calls from teachers.
  

• Sleep or appetite changes: new patterns that leave them tired, irritable, or unwell.
  

• Major life changes: divorce, grief, a move, or bullying that shakes their sense of security.

  
  

On their own, each of these may be a phase. But when they last for weeks or months, or start interfering with school, friendships, or home life, that’s when you can step back and consider that therapy can make a meaningful difference.

A Different Way to See “Normal”

Take a moment to think about your child’s age. Every stage has quirks: preschoolers test limits, tweens roll eyes, and teens crave independence. That’s expected.

The difference is in intensity, duration, and impact. If your child’s struggles seem bigger, last longer, or ripple into every part of life, that’s your cue: support could help.

And a quick note on “normal.” This word is a live wire in the field. Yes, there is a baseline that each emotionally healthy individual will have. Perhaps that’s what we can label as “normal,” but what really matters is answering, “what is 'normal' for me? For my child?” and “how have I or how has my child shifted from that, and for how long? Why?” 

What Therapy Looks Like for Kids

Parents sometimes imagine therapy as a session on a couch, with a clipboard and serious conversations. For children, it looks very different, and often a lot more fun.

• Play therapy: Toys, art, and games help younger kids express what words can’t capture.
  

• Talk therapy: Older children and teens learn to identify and name their feelings, develop problem-solving skills, and practice effective coping strategies.
  

• Family sessions: Parents join to strengthen communication and learn tools to support growth at home.

  
  

Whatever the session, the goal remains consistent: establish a safe, nonjudgmental environment where children feel heard and parents are supported.

Why Therapy Matters Sooner Rather Than Later

Just like in physical health, early support makes a difference. Therapy gives kids coping skills before stress builds into bigger struggles. It helps families strengthen bonds before patterns of conflict take root. And it empowers children to feel confident in who they are — long before adulthood.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will therapy label my child?

No, therapy is not about labels. It’s about developing skills, building confidence, and fostering healing.

How long will it take?

Some kids benefit from short-term therapy (8–12 sessions). Others need longer-term support. Your therapist will guide you.

What if my child refuses to go?

It happens! Many kids feel nervous at first, but they quickly warm up once they realize that therapy is supportive and even enjoyable. That said, listen to your child. They need to feel safe, supported, and develop a sense of trust in a way they haven’t experienced before for a therapeutic relationship to grow. If the child doesn’t feel comfortable or feel that, “click,” listen to them. There is a therapist for everyone. 

Taking the Next Step

If you’ve been questioning whether your child might need therapy, that question itself is worth paying attention to. Parents often instinctively sense when there's more beneath the surface.

At New Day Counseling, we support children, teens, and families in Glen Ellyn, La Grange, and nearby communities. Our experts focus on anxiety, grief, identity development, and life changes. We foster a safe environment where children can feel secure, freely express themselves, and develop resilience for future challenges.

Ready to explore whether therapy is right for your child?

Reach out today to schedule a session. Together, we’ll determine what support looks like for your family and help your child step into a brighter, calmer tomorrow.