Can a child be encouraged to visit a specialist at all, and how can this be done?
Firstly, when is a visit necessary?
Many parents are overprotective and would gladly go to a psychological counselling centre with every problem. Meanwhile, we should remember that a young child is only learning how to function in a world that is not easy for them. Searching for and setting boundaries is completely normal. Not every instance of bad behaviour means that a visit to a specialist—a child psychologist—is necessary. However, it is worth considering a visit when the child’s bad behaviour keeps recurring and you, as a parent and guardian, are concerned that you are not prepared for the challenges of raising them. It is always worth seeing a specialist when a child suddenly starts behaving differently; becomes more apathetic, does not want to play, avoids contact with peers or with other people in general. Parents also often disregard comments they hear from others—from teachers and school carers or from grandparents. However, we should not take a child to a psychologist only when something bad is happening. If we notice that our little one is a very intelligent child, we should also seek a specialist’s help to learn how to guide their skills and abilities.
Secondly, let’s talk—regardless of age
It is understandable that most children will not want to visit a psychologist. The older the child, the greater their reluctance will certainly be. How can we encourage the youngest to attend? As a parent, you know your child best and know which arguments may appeal to them. You should certainly avoid phrases that could suggest to your child that “something is wrong with them”. A visit to a psychologist should be associated, especially for young children, with a conversation with someone very friendly and kind. If you are convinced that a visit is necessary, you do not of course have to ask the child for permission; you only need to tell them that such a meeting has been arranged. It is essential to explain to the child what such a visit will involve. We should not be surprised that a young child will not want to meet a psychologist—an entirely unknown person to them, after all—if they do not know what the psychologist does. We must assure our child that it will be an ordinary conversation. Let us remember that although we have the deciding voice, we cannot do anything to which the child categorically refuses consent. Such a meeting will bring no benefits.
A psychologist cannot solve all our problems, and we must remember that. Nevertheless, it is certainly worth seeing one. It is also worth trying to persuade our older children to attend if, of course, the need arises.
Since many practices are very well prepared for visits from the youngest children (e.g. child psychologist Warsaw), an interesting solution is to call the specialist directly, as they can explain how to prepare the child.