Welcoming children into the world is often a joyful occasion. Babies are cute and require simple (though constant) care. It is a magical time of parenting.

“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.” – Luke 18:15-17 NIV

Then the years of parenting challenges commence. Monikers like “the terrible twos” and “threenager” are used in the toddler years. “Drama queen” and “boys will be boys” might be used to dismiss difficult behaviors in childhood. And teenagers are practically expected to be rebellious.

There may be more than just attitude issues under the surface of their behavior.

As children go through life parents hope for happiness, yet knowing that this world is broken you know that things will not always be easy. Sorrow and hardship occur, pandemics drastically change things, and children today are coping with massive amounts of their lives in the public eye of social media.

Dealing with all of this is difficult as a mature adult. For children, it can be even more confusing and frustrating. Learning to reach out for help when necessary is an essential skill to teach your children.

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Why should children be in counseling?

Nearly one in 10 children ages 5 to 16 are affected by a mental health problem.

That is not a statistic anyone wants to hear. Mental health problems can range in their challenges and expression. No matter where your child lands on the spectrum of mental health issues, having a trustworthy counselor is invaluable in their development.

The issues a child could be facing:

-Depression

-Anxiety

-Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

-Eating disorders

-Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

-Autism

-Mood and personality disorder

-Anger and defiance concerns

-Grief and loss

-Family relationship challenges

-Addictions

No parent wants to think that their child is struggling on any level. When you start to recognize the signs of problems you can model a healthy approach by taking them to Christian counseling in Allen, Texas. By helping both their mental and spiritual health when they are young, you the parent are giving them the tools for dealing with challenges in the future.

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 NIV

By giving your child a safe space to process their mental health, he or she will be set up for success for the rest of her life.

Children of all ages and issues can benefit from Christian counseling. When your child receives a diagnosis for any issue, whether that comes from a school or a pediatrician they will likely recommend outside counseling. You can reach out to a counselor at Allen Christian Counseling even before you have an actual diagnosis.

As your child grows there will always be challenges. When you notice major changes in their personality, that could be a good time to reach out to a counselor.

Just as in adults, loss of interest in previous joys may indicate a deeper issue.

After a major loss, or when recovering from grief and change is an excellent time to have a counselor.

“I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” – Psalm 139:14 NIV

Christian parents and Christian counselors will see the wonderful person that God has made a child be. As such the goal of Christian counseling for a child is to help them realize that they are fearfully and wonderfully made. With the support of parents and counselors, the child can overcome the challenges and embrace the good parts of himself.

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him.” – Psalm 103:13 NIV

By partnering with a child counselor at Allen Christian Counseling, you are showing compassion for your child. You want to see them come into the fullness of who God has made them. Christian counseling is a partnership between you, your child, and the counselor to seek God.

Remember to pray for your child during this time. Seeking a counselor for yourself could help you in understanding and support your child in whatever they may be going through.

When a child is under thirteen you may be present for the counseling sessions. You will work with your child’s counselor to help them work through the challenges they are facing. Be open to the counselor about your concerns and your willingness to participate in helping your child. The benefits of counseling are greatly increased by parental participation.

As your counselor spends time with you and your child, they will be able to determine the best approach. Some children will be reluctant to talk and the counselor may use play therapy. The combination of creative action and conversation creates an environment of trust for the child to be open and express themselves.

Trauma-focused therapy may be used for children who have been through loss, grief, or a traumatic event. The counselor will focus on helping the child process the different emotions and memories surrounding difficult experiences.

The age of the child will be a factor in the method a counselor uses. Teenagers may open up to a counselor as a safe space away from their parents. A child may feel safer talking with their parents present or not. Be open to different options and methods.

Being a teen is a tumultuous time. Many young people are struggling with depression, anxiety, suicidal ideations, and many other mental health issues. It is important to not dismiss it as rebellion or attitude.

Talking to a counselor can help a teen go beneath the attitude to the actual issues they may be facing. A counselor can also help teenagers with different issues they or their peers may be facing.

-Depression and mood disorders

-Behavioral and eating disorders

-Drugs, alcohol, and other substance abuse

-Sexual identity and health

-Promiscuity, pornography, and teen pregnancy

-Goal setting and problem-solving

-Living with autism, ADHD, or other high-functioning spectrum disorders

-Growing in faith-based values

-the influences of the internet and social media

It can be hard to feel normal when you are a teen. Sometimes the issues they face are normal. Other times what they are going through is anything but the norm. Meeting with a Christian counselor at Allen Christian Counseling will give them a safe place to sort through their challenges.

Reassure your child that they are loved.

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:38-39 NIV

While as a parent you may wish that your child or teen always confided in you when they have issues, that is not always the case. The best thing you can do as a parent is to help them get the help they need. That could be medication and counseling. Definitely assure your child of your love.

Christian parents and Christian counselors can also reassure children and teens that they are loved by God. They can be assured that the mistakes made never take away love. The mental health issues they struggle with do not separate them from the love of God.

Get connected with a Christian Counselor
Please contact our reception team at
(469) 943-2459

Schedule an appointment