As a parent, it is easy to feel disheartened and helpless.... but YOU are often the most important person to help your child.
Taking N.O.T.E. of changes in behaviour can help us as clinicians to delve deeper into what is causing the behaviours we see on the surface.
Notice
Are you noticing that something’s going on with your child? You might not know what it is, but noticing is the first step.
Whether you’re seeing that your child is struggling in a certain academic area, or has missed a developmental milestone, acknowledging that help is needed is the first step!
Observe
Ask yourself questions:
When does your child have difficulties?
What signs do you see?
What is your child doing right before the behaviour begins?
Who else is there?
How did your child handle it?
Use this handy observation chart to make notes.
Talk
Now it’s time to talk to others who interact with your child, so you can see if they’re experiencing the same things you are.
Talking is a great way to double-check what you’re noticing. You can talk to another caregiver like a spouse, a babysitter, or a grandparent. Or contact a teacher from the previous year.
Be sure to talk to your child, too. It can be hard to talk about these things, but there are some ways to get these conversations started.
Engage
Now that you’ve checked with others who know your child, it’s time to engage a trusted professional to get help. Asking for professional guidance can help you understand what’s going on.
While it’s usually a good idea to have these conversations in person, it’s absolutely fine to connect over the phone, or even by email.
Should you have any concerns about your child and what is behind the behaviours they display you are welcome to email me.
Mobile: 071 602 6631
email: colleenb@webafrica.org.za
I have many tools at my disposal to unlock the meaning behind these behaviours:
Full IQ Assessment
Educational Assessments
Quantitative EEG