There are many issues that can arise in a family setting that can affect the family dynamic and cause emotional problems for different members of the family. Children are at the highest risk of being affected. Attachment issues are common—either a child becomes too dependent on a parent or has trouble bonding.
Many children and parents have a difficult time on the first day of day care or school, which can especially be a problem with firstborn children. A little bit of anxiety or nerves is normal and can be expected. Some children, however, experience higher levels of anxiety adjusting to being away from their parents. The anxiety may cause them to be anti-social with other children, not participate in class, act out in class or other forms of rebellion. Some parents may become depressed because of the separation from their child. A therapist can help patients to manage these feelings and ease the anxiety from separation. A child therapist can also help children feel more at ease and help to develop social skills so they are happier at school or any situation away from their parents.
The opposite can also be true in situations where children do not receive enough attention or care. Children need a solid, constant source of care. Whether it be a revolving door of nannies, moving from foster home to foster home, parental neglect, parents working long hours, emotional problems that prevent a parent from caring for a child, or the loss of a parent, there are many situations that can disrupt a child’s emotional development. Therapy can help the child express emotions and deal with any attachment disorders. It also brings the issues to the attention of the parents so they can better deal with the situation and make more time for their child.