What’s Wrong?

You’re warm sympathetic and attentive. So why is your child still miserable?

 One way of showing interest to loved ones is to show concern for their problems. Mom sees an unhappy looking ten-year-old at the kitchen table: “You look like something’s bothering you sweetie … what’s wrong?” Sweetie launches into a tirade about an unfair teacher or a mean classmate. Mom listens sympathetically asking lots of questions trying to get the whole story offering coping suggestions. The child is happy to have someone to talk to about it and feels a lot better afterward. So far so good.

Next day more of the same. Sweetie has had a run-in with one of the older kids on the playground. “Tell me about it” Mom invites. The youngster offers up the gory details Mom listens and problem-solves. The child calms down and relaxes with some milk and cookies.

Bad News

If this is the end of it and the child returns to a more peaceful and happy existence then all is well and good. However suppose the youngster continues to have lots of miserable days at school. Mom’s help isn’t helping. Is it time for a visit to the guidance counselor or a mental health professional? Not yet.