Supporting Your Grieving Child at School

Help your grieving child at school Child play therapist Edmonton

A Parent’s Guide to Gathering School Support

If you’re searching for how to help a grieving child at school, you’re likely carrying your own heartbreak while trying to hold your child steady through theirs. Returning to the classroom after a loss can feel overwhelming for children—and quietly terrifying for parents. You may worry your child will fall apart at school… or that they’ll pretend everything is fine while hurting inside.

The truth is: school can become either a place of silent struggle or a powerful space for healing—depending on how supported your child feels.

With gentle planning and compassionate advocacy, you can help transform school into a secure emotional anchor during this vulnerable season. Below are six essential steps to help you understand how to help a grieving child at school and partner with educators in ways that truly support your child’s heart and learning.

1. Reach Out Before Your Child Returns to School

One of the most important ways to support your child is by communicating early with the school. Before your child returns, contact:

  • The school administrator or principal
  • The classroom teacher
  • The school counsellor (if available)

Share:

  • Who passed away and the relationship to your child
  • The expected date of return
  • Any concerns you have about emotions, focus, or behaviour

This step sets the foundation for understanding and trust. It ensures your child is met with awareness rather than surprise—and gives teachers the chance to prepare for what your child may need. Early communication is one of the most practical ways to begin how to help a grieving child at school.

2. Normalize Inconsistent Grief Reactions

Children do not grieve in neat or predictable ways. Their reactions change daily—and sometimes hourly. Help teachers understand that expressions of grief are shaped by:

  • Age and developmental stage
  • Personality and temperament
  • Relationship to the person who died
  • Emotional safety in different environments

Your child may show grief as tearfulness one day and irritability or numbness the next. They might withdraw or become overly silly. All of this is normal.

Encourage educators to remain patient and flexible. When adults respond with calm steadiness rather than discipline-driven reactions, children feel safer—and healing becomes possible.

3. Share Information About Memorials and Significant Dates

Let the school know about:

  • Funerals
  • Memorial services
  • Cultural or family rituals
  • Meaningful anniversaries or dates

These moments often intensify emotions long before and after the actual day. When staff are aware, they can offer extra patience, gentle check-ins, and emotional space during sensitive times.

This kind of collaboration is another important part of how to help a grieving child at school—it prevents misunderstandings and replaces them with empathy.

4. Give Permission for Classroom Conversations About Grief

Teachers want to support your child—but many fear saying the wrong thing. When given permission, they can:

  • Prepare classmates before your child returns
  • Guide children on how to offer kindness and support
  • Answer simple, age-appropriate questions about death and loss

Silence can make your child feel invisible. Thoughtful conversation—led by a regulating adult—reduces stigma and builds compassion within the classroom.

Giving your consent for gentle discussion is often one of the most protective ways to support your child socially and emotionally.

5. Create a School Safety Plan

Grief rarely announces itself in advance. Emotional waves can rise unexpectedly. Before your child returns, create a simple safety plan with school staff that may include:

  • A discreet signal your child can use when overwhelmed
  • A quiet safe space (library, counsellor’s office, calm down area)
  • Trusted adults your child can access during emotional moments
  • Your child’s input on what helps them feel safe

This plan offers reassurance, autonomy, and emotional protection—key ingredients in how to help a grieving child at school.

6. Ask for Academic Accommodations

Grief exhausts the brain and nervous system. Concentration, memory, and motivation are often disrupted. Advocate for temporary support such as:

  • Reduced workload
  • Extended deadlines
  • Alternate assessments
  • Make-up opportunities
  • In-school tutoring or check-ins

This is not about lowering expectations. It’s about honouring what your child is carrying emotionally while protecting their educational confidence.

Moving Forward: Advocacy Is an Act of Love

Learning how to help a grieving child at school is not about asking for special treatment—it’s about ensuring developmentally appropriate care during a life-altering season.

Most educators want to help. They just don’t always know how.

When you guide them with clarity and compassion, you build a bridge that helps your child feel emotionally safe, socially supported, and academically protected.

Additional Resource for Child Grief Support

For additional guidance and national support, explore:

KidsGrief.ca – A Canadian hub for parents and caregivers offering free, credible, age-based guidance on grief and loss.
https://kidsgrief.ca

Grief Counselling & Play Therapy at Help for Families Canada

When grief becomes heavy or confusing for your child, you don’t have to navigate it alone.

At Help for Families Canada, we offer grief counselling for children using play therapy—a developmentally appropriate approach that helps children:

  • Express emotions safely
  • Make sense of loss at their own pace
  • Build resilience and emotional regulation
  • Restore a sense of safety and confidence

Play therapy speaks the language of children when words aren’t enough.

Play Therapy for Grieving Children

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We offer a free 30-minute consultation to help you decide whether grief counselling with play therapy is the right next step for your child.

No pressure. Just support.

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Signs of Grief in Children:

5 Behaviours That Don’t Look Like Sadness

When we think about grief, we often picture tears, sadness, or quiet withdrawal.
But the signs of grief in children are rarely that simple—or visible.

A grieving child might act fine, seem too busy, or even become the “perfect” helper at home. If you’re a caring parent who pays attention, these shifts can feel confusing: Why are they so angry? Why so clingy? Why does my child seem fine one moment and fall apart the next?

Children process loss differently from adults. Their brains are still developing, and they often lack the emotional vocabulary to express what they’re feeling. Instead, grief shows up through behavior—sometimes loud, sometimes subtle, and often misunderstood.

Let’s explore five common but unexpected ways grief can appear in children—and what you can do to support them.

1. Sudden Anger or Irritability

Your easy-going child suddenly snaps at siblings, throws tantrums, or seems constantly on edge.
This anger isn’t “bad behavior”—it’s displaced grief.

Children often feel safer expressing anger than sadness because anger feels more controllable. When a child loses someone important—through death, divorce, or separation—they may not have words for the emptiness inside. So it comes out as frustration instead.

💡 What to do:
Acknowledge the anger without judgment.

“I notice you’ve been really frustrated lately. That makes sense—a lot has changed.”

By naming what you see, you help your child connect feelings to words—a critical step in emotional healing.

2. Regression to Earlier Behaviors

Your potty-trained preschooler starts having accidents.
Your independent 8-year-old suddenly can’t sleep alone.
Your teen begins baby-talking or clings to childhood toys.

Regression is your child’s way of seeking comfort and safety during uncertain times. When the world feels unstable, returning to old behaviors offers a sense of control and familiarity.

💡 What to do:
Respond with compassion, not correction. These behaviors are temporary coping mechanisms. Offer extra reassurance and keep routines steady. Predictability helps restore a sense of safety.

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3. Becoming the “Perfect” Child

Some children respond to grief by becoming overly responsible, helpful, or high-achieving. They clean their rooms without being asked, get perfect grades, or constantly check to see if you’re okay.

This “perfect” behavior can be a form of fear-based coping. They may believe that being good—or not causing trouble—will prevent more loss or sadness in the family.

💡 What to do:
Remind your child they are loved for who they are, not what they do.

“You don’t have to be perfect for me to stay close. I love you on your best and hardest days.”

That message helps them feel emotionally safe enough to be real again.

4. Social Withdrawal or Sudden Clinginess

A once-social child avoids playdates. Another refuses to be left alone, even for a minute.
Both behaviors can be signs of grief in children.

Withdrawal happens when children feel “different” from their peers or worry friends won’t understand their pain. Clinginess often stems from fear that if one important person left (through death, divorce, or moving away), others might, too.

💡 What to do:
Respect their need for space while staying emotionally available.
For clingy kids, practice brief separations with reliable returns to rebuild security.

5. Physical Complaints Without Medical Cause

Frequent stomachaches, headaches, or vague “I don’t feel good” complaints with no clear medical explanation can be another way grief shows up.
This is called somatization—when emotional pain becomes physical.

The body often holds what the heart can’t yet say.

💡 What to do:
Take their discomfort seriously, but gently explore the feelings beneath.

“Your tummy hurts—I wonder if your heart hurts too about missing Grandpa?”

This helps them connect their emotional and physical experiences in a safe, validating way.

What Parents Need to Know

Children rarely grieve in one straight line. They move in and out of sadness like waves—laughing one moment, asking heartbreaking questions the next.

This isn’t disrespect or “getting over it too quickly.” It’s self-protection. Their minds and hearts can only handle small doses of intense emotion at a time.

The most important thing you can do is stay patient, stay present, and look beneath the behavior. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline—and it doesn’t always announce itself with tears.

🌿 Your child doesn’t need perfection—they need connection.

💚 For the Parent Who Feels the Weight of It All

If you’re the kind of parent who quietly carries everyone else’s feelings, you don’t have to carry this alone.

Our counsellors at Help for Families Canada specialize in helping children—and parents—navigate grief, loss, and big emotions with compassion and clarity.

Together, we’ll create a space where your child can express what words can’t yet say, and where you can find the steadiness you need to guide them through.

💬 Book a free 30-minute inquiry call to see how we can help your family heal—one conversation at a time.

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📚 Resources & Further Reading

Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in ADHD

When Criticism Feels Like a Crushing Wave

ADHD Coaching with CBT for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is one of ADHD’s most painful yet least discussed symptoms. If you or your child has ADHD, you may have experienced Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria without even knowing it had a name. That simple “We need to talk” text that sends your nervous system into overdrive? That’s Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. The gentle correction from a teacher that feels like the end of the world? Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria again. Being left on “read” and experiencing overwhelming emotional pain that lasts for hours? You’re experiencing the intense emotional impact of RSD.

Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is crucial for anyone living with ADHD or supporting someone who does. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what RSD is, how it affects daily life, and most importantly, evidence-based strategies to manage it effectively.

What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria?

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) is an extreme emotional response to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure that affects the majority of people with ADHD. But it’s not just feeling sad or disappointed. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is an overwhelming, physical pain that can feel unbearable in the moment. Many people with ADHD describe it as feeling like their world is collapsing, or experiencing a crushing weight on their chest.

The term “dysphoria” literally means a state of unease or dissatisfaction, but for those experiencing RSD, it’s far more intense than simple discomfort. It’s a neurological response that hijacks your emotional system, making ordinary social interactions feel potentially threatening.

A Real-Life Example of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

I’ll never forget the day I truly understood what my son was experiencing with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria. A teacher gave him gentle feedback on his math homework – nothing harsh, just constructive guidance. But to him, it felt like the end of the world. He shut down completely, convinced he was “the worst student ever.” His emotional pain was so real, so visceral, that he couldn’t hear anything else I said for the rest of the evening.

Understanding Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria changed everything for us. Once we recognized what was happening, we could start developing strategies to manage it together.

Common Triggers of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria can be triggered by situations that might seem minor to others, but feel catastrophic to someone with ADHD. Common RSD triggers include:

  • Constructive feedback at work or school – Even well-meaning suggestions can feel like harsh criticism
  • Being left on “read” – Unanswered messages can spiral into fears of abandonment
  • Not being invited to something – Missing out on social events can feel like deliberate exclusion
  • Making a mistake in front of others – Public errors can trigger intense shame and embarrassment
  • Sensing disappointment from loved ones – Even imagined disappointment can feel crushing

The key word here is “perceived.” Sometimes the rejection isn’t real – but to the ADHD brain experiencing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, the emotional pain is very real regardless.

Coping Strategies for Managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

While Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria can feel overwhelming in the moment, there are practical strategies that can help manage these intense emotions. Here are five techniques that have proven effective for many people with ADHD and RSD:

1. Pause and Name It

The first step is recognition. When you feel that familiar wave of emotional pain washing over you, pause and say to yourself: “This is RSD talking, not reality.” Simply naming Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria when it’s happening can create a small but crucial space between the trigger and your response.

2. Challenge the Thought

Once you’ve identified RSD at work, ask yourself: “What evidence do I actually have?” Often, our minds jump to worst-case scenarios without any real proof. Challenge those automatic negative thoughts with curiosity rather than judgment.

For example, if your friend hasn’t responded to your text, instead of thinking “They hate me now,” ask yourself: “What other explanations might there be? Are they busy? Did they see the message? Have they done this before and still cared about me?”

3. Keep a Reality Log

One of the most powerful tools for managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is keeping a written record of what actually happened versus what you felt happened. When you’re in the grip of RSD, your brain is convinced that the worst interpretation is the truth. But when you look back at your reality log later, you’ll often see a pattern: your fears rarely match what actually occurred.

Write down:

  • The triggering event (just the facts)
  • What you felt/feared in the moment
  • What actually happened afterward
  • How accurate your initial fear was

Over time, this log becomes evidence that your RSD fears are usually not based in reality.

4. Communicate Your Needs

There’s no shame in letting people know how you process feedback. You might say to a colleague: “I process feedback intensely. Can you start with what I did well before discussing improvements?” Or to a friend: “I sometimes worry about our friendship when I don’t hear back quickly. A simple ‘got your message, will respond later’ really helps me.”

Most people are understanding when you explain your needs, and this proactive communication can prevent many Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria episodes.

5. Time-Box the Feeling

When RSD hits, tell yourself: “I’ll allow myself 10 minutes to feel this fully, then I’ll reassess.” Set a timer. Let yourself experience the emotion without judgment during that time. When the timer goes off, consciously shift your attention to something else – a task, a walk, calling a friend.

This technique acknowledges your pain while preventing it from consuming your entire day.

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The Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Approach to Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

While coping strategies are helpful in the moment, working with a therapist trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can provide deeper, lasting change in how you experience and respond to Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.

Why CBT Works for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

CBT is particularly effective for managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria because it helps rewire automatic negative thought patterns. It creates space between the triggering event and your emotional response, allowing you to choose how to react rather than being overwhelmed by automatic thoughts.

Think of it this way: RSD is like a highway between trigger and intense emotional pain. Your brain has traveled this highway so many times that it happens automatically, almost instantly. CBT helps you build new roads – alternative routes that your brain can take instead.

Core CBT Techniques for Managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

1. Cognitive Restructuring

This technique helps you identify distorted thinking patterns and replace them with more balanced thoughts. Common ADHD thinking distortions include:

  • All-or-nothing thinking: “If I made one mistake, I’m a complete failure”
  • Catastrophizing: “This will definitely lead to the worst possible outcome”
  • Mind reading: “I know they think I’m incompetent”
  • Overgeneralization: “This always happens to me”

CBT teaches you to catch these patterns and reframe them more accurately.

2. Evidence Testing

In CBT, you learn to treat your thoughts like hypotheses that need testing. Instead of accepting “They’re disappointed in me” as fact, you ask:

  • What proof supports this thought?
  • What evidence contradicts it?
  • What would I tell a friend who had this thought?
  • Am I considering all the information, or just focusing on the negative?

3. Behavioral Experiments

This involves testing your feared situations in small, controlled doses to build evidence that rejection isn’t as catastrophic as it feels. For example, if you’re terrified of asking questions in meetings because you fear judgment, you might start by asking one simple clarifying question and observing what actually happens (versus what you feared would happen).

4. Mindfulness Integration

CBT often incorporates mindfulness techniques that help you observe your emotions without being consumed by them. You learn to notice: “I’m having the thought that I’m a failure” rather than “I am a failure.” This subtle shift creates psychological distance from the thought, making it less overwhelming.

A CBT Reframe for Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria in Action

Let’s walk through how CBT reframing might work in a real situation involving Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria:

The Trigger: Your boss sends an email saying “Can we meet tomorrow to discuss your project?”

RSD Thought: “I’m definitely getting fired. The project is a disaster. I’ve failed completely.”

CBT Challenge Questions:

  • Have I been fired before in similar situations?
  • What else could this meeting be about?
  • Does my boss regularly check in with everyone on their projects?
  • What evidence do I have that the project is a disaster?
  • Am I catastrophizing?

Balanced Thought: “My boss regularly checks in with everyone about their projects. This is likely routine feedback. Even if there are concerns, that doesn’t mean I’m getting fired – it means we’ll discuss improvements. I can handle constructive feedback.”

Notice how the balanced thought doesn’t dismiss your feelings entirely, but grounds them in reality and your actual capabilities.

For Canadian healthcare providers and families seeking evidence-based guidance on ADHD treatment including CBT approaches, the Canadian ADHD Resource Alliance (CADDRA) provides comprehensive practice guidelines and resources. CADDRA’s guidelines include cognitive behavioural therapy as a recommended therapeutic intervention for ADHD and its associated emotional regulation challenges.”

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For Parents: Teaching Children to Manage Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria

If you’re parenting a child with ADHD who experiences Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, teaching these skills early is crucial. The younger they learn to recognize and manage RSD, the better equipped they’ll be as they face increasingly complex social and academic situations.

Help Your Child Practice:

Naming Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria when it happens: Use simple language like “I think your brain is in worry mode right now” or “Is this one of those times when it feels bigger than it really is?”

Finding one piece of evidence that contradicts their fear: Ask questions like “Has your teacher been mean to you before?” or “What do you know about this friend that might explain why they didn’t respond?”

Creating a “rejection reality check” with you before spiraling: Establish a routine where they can come to you and say “I need a reality check” and you’ll help them walk through what actually happened versus what they’re feeling.

Parent Tip: Model These Skills

One of the most powerful ways to teach your child about managing Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria is to model it yourself. Let them see you working through your own RSD moments with these techniques. You might say out loud:

“I just got a text from my friend that seemed short, and my brain is telling me she’s mad at me. But let me reality-check that. She’s probably just busy. I’m going to wait and see rather than assume the worst.”

This normalizes the experience and shows them that even adults have to actively manage these feelings.

Remember: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Is a Neurological Difference, Not a Character Flaw

Here’s what I want you to hear loud and clear: Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria doesn’t mean you’re weak, overly sensitive, or broken. It means your brain processes emotional pain more intensely – and that’s a neurological difference, not a character flaw.

In fact, the same sensitivity that causes RSD pain also often makes people with ADHD incredibly empathetic, emotionally attuned to others, and deeply caring. You feel joy more intensely too. Your emotional range is vast and powerful.

The goal isn’t to eliminate your emotional sensitivity – it’s to develop skills so that Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria doesn’t control your life.

Next Steps: Your Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria Action Plan

If Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria resonates with your experience, here are concrete steps you can take today:

  1. Consider working with a therapist trained in both ADHD and CBT. This combination of expertise is crucial – they need to understand both the neurodevelopmental aspects of ADHD and the therapeutic techniques that can help manage Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.
  2. Start implementing one coping strategy this week. Don’t try to do all five at once. Pick the one that resonates most and practice it for a week before adding another.
  3. Join ADHD support communities to share experiences. Whether online or in-person, connecting with others who understand Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria can be incredibly validating. You’ll realize you’re not alone, and you’ll learn from others’ experiences too.
  4. Be patient and compassionate with yourself. These skills take time to develop. You won’t master them overnight, and that’s okay. Progress, not perfection, is the goal.
  5. Educate the people in your life. Share information about Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria with your partner, close friends, family members, or colleagues who you trust. The more they understand, the better they can support you.

You’re Not Alone in This Journey

Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria can feel isolating. When you’re in the middle of an RSD episode, it feels like you’re the only person who could possibly experience such intense pain over something that “shouldn’t” be a big deal.

But you’re not alone. Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria affects the majority of people with ADHD to some degree. By talking about it, sharing strategies, and supporting each other, we can make this invisible symptom more visible – and more manageable.

Your sensitivity is not a weakness. With the right tools and support, it can even become a strength. You’ve got this. 💙

ADHD Coaching at Help for Families Canada

You don’t need to keep pushing through overwhelm alone.
If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, too emotional, or stuck in self-doubt, ADHD Coaching can help you uncover your strengths, quiet the inner critic, and create systems that finally fit you.

At Help for Families Canada, our coaching is heart-centered, practical, and evidence-based — designed to help you (or your child) turn emotional insight into real-life progress. Together, we’ll build structure, self-trust, and the confidence to thrive.

✨ Learn more about ADHD Coaching at Help for Families Canada

Because you deserve tools that support your growth — not pressure you to be someone else. 💙

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Help for Families Canada is dedicated to supporting families navigating ADHD, learning differences, and neurodevelopmental challenges. For more resources and support, visit our website or connect with our community.

Related Articles You Might Find Helpful:

If you found this article helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit. Together, we can break the stigma and build understanding around ADHD and Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria.

Building Your ADHD Child’s Self-Advocacy Skills at School

Helping Your Child Speak Up with Confidence

As a professional mother, you carry the weight of wanting your child to succeed — not just academically, but emotionally too. You’ve invested time, love, and energy into their growth, and you know school is more than just grades. When your child has ADHD, the challenges can feel amplified: assignments pile up, instructions slip away, and self-confidence is fragile. One of the most powerful gifts you can give your child is the ability to advocate for themselves. Self-advocacy skills help children understand their needs, communicate clearly, and access the support already available through ADHD school accommodations. With guidance and practice, kids can learn to ask for what helps them thrive — building resilience that extends far beyond the classroom.

1. Help Your Child Understand Their ADHD

Children can’t ask for what they need if they don’t first understand why they need it.

  • Explain ADHD simply and positively. Instead of saying “you’re distracted,” try “your brain notices lots of things at once.”
  • Point out real examples. Highlight moments when ADHD helps them (creativity, energy) and when it challenges them (forgetfulness, restlessness).
  • Encourage self-reflection. Ask questions like, “What’s hardest for you in class?” or “What makes learning easier?”

(For parents who want to dive deeper, see resources from CADDAC – Centre for ADHD Awareness, Canada and CHADD – Children and Adults with ADHD.)

2. Teach Age-Appropriate Communication

Advocacy looks different for a 7-year-old than it does for a teen.

  • Younger kids: Practice short, simple phrases like “Can you repeat that?” or “Can I sit up front?”
  • Older students: Work on clear, respectful sentences such as, “I learn better if I can take short breaks.”
  • Practice with prompts. Sentence starters like “It helps me when…” give kids words until they feel confident.

3. Build Confidence in Asking for Help

Confidence grows through encouragement and repetition.

  • Celebrate efforts. When your child asks for help — at home or school — praise their courage, not just the outcome.
  • Normalize support. Share your own examples of asking for help at work or in daily life.
  • Start small. Begin with easy requests (borrowing a pencil) before moving to bigger ones (extra test time or flexible deadlines).

4. Practice with Role-Playing

Rehearsal makes real-life conversations less intimidating.

  • Play common scenarios. Pretend you’re the teacher while your child asks for help with instructions or requests a movement break.
  • Switch roles. Let your child act as the teacher to understand both perspectives.
  • Offer feedback. Highlight what they did well and suggest one thing to improve for next time.

Why Self-Advocacy Matters

When children learn to communicate their needs, they feel more capable and less isolated. It also helps teachers respond with the right strategies — making ADHD school accommodations more effective. Over time, these skills don’t just support classroom learning; they nurture confidence, independence, and resilience.

💡 A Customized Support Option for Your Teen

If your teen is struggling with self-advocacy or navigating ADHD school accommodations, professional support can make all the difference.

That’s why we offer ADHD Coaching for Teens — a structured, supportive program designed to help your child:

  • Understand their ADHD strengths and challenges
  • Build confidence in speaking with teachers
  • Practice real-world strategies to stay organized and focused
  • Learn self-advocacy skills that last into adulthood

👉 Learn more about ADHD Coaching for Teens

Because as a parent, you deserve peace of mind knowing your child has the tools to thrive.

✅ Key Takeaway: Empowering your child to self-advocate is a gradual process. By teaching them about ADHD, practicing communication, boosting confidence, and rehearsing conversations, you’re equipping them with life-long tools for success.

Call to Action

Are you ready to help your child move beyond struggle and into growth? At Help for Families Canada, we guide both parents and children in building strategies for resilience and success.

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ADHD Benefits in the Workplace

Turning Unique Traits into Professional Strengths

adhd benefits in the workplace _adult adhd coaching

As a professional mother, you may already juggle countless responsibilities—family, career, and the invisible weight of doing it all well. For parents navigating ADHD themselves—or raising children who will one day step into the workforce—understanding the ADHD benefits in the workplace can be both inspiring and practical.

While ADHD often comes with challenges, it also brings unique strengths that can shine in professional settings. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), ADHD is one of the most researched conditions, and yet its strengths are often overlooked.

Creativity and Out-of-the-Box Thinking

ADHD minds often see connections others might miss. This can lead to bold solutions, innovative projects, and fresh perspectives in the workplace. If you’ve ever watched your child dream up imaginative scenarios—or found yourself brainstorming in unexpected ways—you’ve witnessed this gift in action.

Tip for professionals: Harness creativity by keeping a “big idea” notebook or digital space where ideas can flow without judgment.

Hyperfocus on Passion Projects

When an ADHD brain locks onto something meaningful, distractions fade away. This ability to hyperfocus can turn passion into productivity. In workplaces that value depth and dedication, hyperfocus can lead to exceptional results.

Tip for professionals: Structure your workload so the most important tasks align with your natural areas of interest and strength.

Crisis Management and Adaptability

Life as a parent often feels like managing mini-crises daily. ADHD professionals bring the same adaptability to their careers. Quick thinking and calm responses under pressure often make them the go-to person in challenging situations.

Tip for professionals: Reframe your “crisis response” ability as a leadership strength during interviews or performance reviews.

Innovation and Entrepreneurial Spirit

Many ADHD adults thrive in roles where they can innovate or lead. The drive to try new approaches and embrace change often translates into entrepreneurial energy. This trait can inspire teams, spark new ventures, and fuel personal fulfillment.

Tip for professionals: Seek projects or roles where innovation is encouraged—your natural spark can be a valuable asset.

A Personal Reflection

As both a therapist and a parent, I’ve seen firsthand how ADHD traits show up in workplaces and family life. It’s not always easy—but when we shift the lens from “deficit” to “benefit,” we unlock confidence and hope for our children and ourselves. That’s why recognizing ADHD benefits in the workplace is about more than productivity—it’s about inclusion and celebrating neurodiversity.

Support for Your Workplace Journey

For many professionals, knowing your strengths is only the first step. The harder part is finding strategies that allow you to succeed—and feel truly validated—in your workplace. That’s where ADHD coaching can make all the difference.

Through coaching, you can:

  • Build personalized strategies for focus and productivity
  • Gain confidence in navigating workplace challenges
  • Learn how to highlight your ADHD strengths in professional settings
  • Feel seen, supported, and validated in your career journey

👉 Learn more about Adult ADHD Coaching here

Adult ADHD Coaching

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You don’t have to navigate this path alone. With the right support, your strengths can become the foundation for the success you’ve always aimed for.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

✨ What’s one ADHD strength you’ve discovered—in yourself, your child, or a colleague?

Your voice matters. Sharing experiences helps break stigma and celebrates the diversity of strengths we bring to our work and families. The more we highlight ADHD benefits in the workplace, the more we empower professionals to thrive.

Free Relationship Check-In Guide

Strengthen Your Relationship Proactively with this Bi-weekly Guide

Couples Therapy at Help for Families Canada - Free Marriage Check-up

A relationship check-in guide can be one of the most powerful tools couples use to maintain a strong, healthy partnership and catch potential issues before they become serious problems. Just like regular health checkups keep your body functioning well, consistent relationship assessments help you and your partner stay emotionally connected, communicate effectively, and navigate conflicts with greater ease. Many couples wait until they’re in crisis to address relationship concerns, but research from renowned relationship expert Dr. John Gottman shows that proactive maintenance is far more effective than reactive repair.

Whether you’ve been together for months or decades, implementing a structured bi-weekly check-in process can strengthen your bond, improve intimacy, and provide clear guidance on when professional support from couples therapy might be beneficial. This comprehensive guide, grounded in proven Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy principles, offers you a practical roadmap to assess four critical areas of your relationship: emotional intimacy, communication patterns, conflict management, and connection rituals.

Instructions for Relationship Check in Guide:

  • Set aside 30-45 minutes in a comfortable, private space
  • Each partner completes the assessment individually first
  • Share scores and discuss reflection prompts together
  • Focus on understanding, not judgment
  • If scores indicate concerns, consider this an opportunity to strengthen your relationship proactively

Ground Rules for Discussion:

  • Listen to understand, not to defend
  • Use “I” statements when sharing
  • Take breaks if emotions get too intense
  • Remember: this is about growing together, not finding fault

Download Relationship Check – in Guide Below

Free Relationship Check-in Guide – Help for Families CanadaDownload

Next Steps: Learn More About Relationship Health

Identifying Relationship Killers

WARNING – Red Flags in Relationship

The State of the Union Meeting – (coming soon)

Couples Therapy @ Help for Families Canada

If you would like more personalised support for your relationship or marriage, learn more about our couples therapy services. We provide local in-office support for families living in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, and neighbouring areas. Also, online options are available across Alberta and most Canadian provinces.

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ADHD Therapy for Men: Real Help, Real Results

If you’re a man living with ADHD, you may not even realize how much it’s costing you—at work, at home, and in your sense of self. Maybe you’ve always struggled with planning, follow-through, or staying emotionally regulated, but chalked it up to being “disorganized” or “easily distracted.” You’re not alone—and you’re not broken. You just haven’t been taught the right tools yet. In this post, we’re unpacking how ADHD therapy for men can be practical, results-driven, and surprisingly empowering. If the word “therapy” sounds soft or uncomfortable, keep reading. You might be surprised by what real support can look like.

Adhd therapy for men available Canadawide at Help for Families Canada

🧠 1. ADHD in Men Often Goes Undetected

Many men with ADHD don’t realize they have it. The symptoms don’t always look like the hyperactivity we associate with childhood ADHD. Instead, they show up as:

  • Poor organization
  • Difficulty starting tasks
  • Forgetfulness
  • Chronic procrastination
  • Emotional reactivity or defensiveness

Men often rely on last-minute pressure to complete tasks, believing it’s “just how I work.” They don’t consider the hidden toll it takes—stress, burnout, missed opportunities, and conflict in relationships.

Because the hyperactivity may fade over time, men assume they’ve outgrown ADHD. But the executive functioning challenges—like planning, prioritizing, and emotional regulation—are still very real.

🔎 2. Therapy Isn’t Weak — It’s Strategic

Let’s be real. Many men don’t seek therapy on their own. They often show up because their partner insisted. They feel misunderstood, blamed, or resentful—and therapy feels like one more judgment.

That’s why reframing therapy is key. It’s not about digging into your past or talking endlessly about emotions. It’s about learning skills to succeed—in your work, your relationships, and your life.

Think of it this way:

  • 🧠 Therapy is mental fitness. Like going to the gym, but for executive functioning.
  • 🏋️‍♂️ It’s coaching, not coddling. Athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders all have coaches—not because they’re weak, but because they want to perform better.
  • ⚙️ It’s strategic. You learn tools that help you plan, focus, follow through, and regulate emotions more effectively.

Therapy doesn’t have to be long-term. It can be brief and goal-focused. You set the agenda, and you decide when you’re done.

🎯 3. What ADHD Therapy for Men Looks Like in Practice

Here’s how I work with men at Help for Families Canada:

  • We begin with a strategic framework—like a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) to define your ADHD profile.
  • We assess executive functioning skills using a structured screening tool.
  • We set clear, practical goals that you choose—whether that’s improving planning, reducing stress, or reconnecting in your relationship.
  • We coach, practice, and apply. Skills are demonstrated live. You practice them during and after the session.
  • You get extension activities—what some call homework—plus brief check-ins and reminders to keep the momentum going.

👥 4. Real Talk: Mark’s Story

Take Mark, a business owner in his 40s. He came to therapy reluctantly, after his partner urged him to do something about his forgetfulness and emotional volatility. He thought therapy would be a waste of time.

What surprised him was how practical and results-driven the process felt.

Through strategic coaching, Mark learned how to break down projects, use planning tools that fit his brain, and communicate more clearly at home. Mark’s stress went down. His follow-through went up. His relationship improved—and so did his confidence.

He didn’t become someone else. He became a calmer, more effective version of himself.

📞 Take the First Step Today

If you’ve been “functioning well enough” for years but still feel overwhelmed, misunderstood, or stuck—ADHD therapy for men could be the missing piece.

You don’t have to keep powering through. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

👉 Book a free inquiry call today and explore how therapy can work for you—on your terms, with real tools, and measurable results.

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Learn More: ADHD Coaching at Help for Families Canada

Identifying Relationship Killers: What to Watch Out For

In any relationship, the path to lasting love and understanding can be fraught with obstacles, often referred to as “relationship killer/s.” These insidious behaviours—criticism, defensiveness, stonewalling, and contempt—can erode even the strongest bonds if left unchecked. Long-term research conducted by renowned relationship researchers, John & Julie Gottman, found these patterns of interaction were strong predictors of divorce. As we navigate the complexities of our connections with partners, friends, or family, it’s crucial to recognize these destructive patterns and address them before they lead to irreparable damage. In this blog post, we’ll delve into each of these relationship killers, exploring their manifestations & impact and offering strategies for healthier, more resilient interactions.

Criticism – Relationship Killer #1

Criticism is the most common harmful way of communicating in the majority of relationships. It is instinctive. We’ve all seen it: throughout our lives, people criticize others when they’re unhappy with something. We’ve witnessed this behavior from parents, teachers, bosses, friends, and romantic partners. We grew up to believe it was a normal and harmless thing to do. Most people are unconscious of how subtly they criticise their partner.

Criticism is labelling a negative trait in your partner as the root of the problem or complaint that you have. “YOU ARE so LAZY, you always leave the dishes around the house for me to clean up after you. You can’t move the cup from the table 3 feet to the sink? The problem with criticism is that it feels like a personal attack on the person. When attacked your partners stress response instinctively puts them in defense mode. In defense mode they stop listening to you.

When someone feels defensive, it can be hard for them to truly listen. Communication breaks down when one person is talking, and the other has essentially tuned them out. Despite what we have learned, putting someone down doesn’t make them more likely to cooperate. In fact, constant criticism can make you feel like the adversary, not a partner. As resentment builds, it can push love, affection, and respect further away.

Criticism is a love and relationship killer.

Instead of Criticism – Be Gentle – Gottman’s Gentle Start-Up

1.Start the complaint with a personal statement of how you see/think or feel about the situation.

Use the script “I feel_____”. After the word “feel” should come a feelings word, some variation of sad’ mad; happy; surprised; or scared”.

For example, ..

“I felt angry this morning….”

“I feel hurt when ….”

2. Name in descriptive, observable words the problem you are complaining about.

  • e.g., 1: “I was furious when I came in and saw Johnny playing on the floor with a mountain of toys around, which looked unsafe to walk through, and I smelled his dirty diaper on him and then I saw you sitting across the room with your eyes down on your phone.”
  • e.g. 2.: “I am so stressed out right now. I am on the phone talking to a customer for work and I am hearing our daughter crying and banging on my door. “I feel frustrated because I am expected to be the only one responding to everyone’s needs in this family.”

3. Ask for your wants or needs in specific terms

  • “I was furious when I came in. I saw Johnny playing on the floor with a mountain of toys around. It looked unsafe to walk through. I smelled his dirty diaper on him. Then, I saw you sitting across the room with your eyes down on your phone. I want you to pay attention to the state of the home and pick up things as needed. I want you to check in on our baby – feed her when she is hungry and change her when she is dirty. I need you to be my partner.
  • ” I am so stressed out right now. I am on the phone talking to a customer for work and I am hearing our daughter crying and banging on my door. It frustrates me that I am expected to be the only one responding to everyone’s needs in this family. I need you to notice what I am doing and if I have the capacity for another task. If you see that I am overwhelmed I want you to jump in and attend to the other demands. “

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Defensiveness – Relationship Killer # 2

Defensiveness is most often the counter-reaction to criticism (relationship killer #1). When we are criticized, it can feel like a direct hit on our self-esteem, almost like an attack on who we are. It’s a natural human reaction to want to protect ourselves and defend against those perceived attacks. This often happens without us even realizing it – it’s an instinctive response.

The problem with defensiveness is in that defense mode we stop listening for understanding. If we are paying any attention to anything our partner says it is only to rebut and counter-attack. So, this cycle of criticism and defensiveness can easily turn a small disagreement into a full-blown, hostile war. And, over time, constantly experiencing these kinds of explosive fights can leave you feeling pretty hopeless about ever having positive communication again. Consequently, partners stop talking to each other.

Communication & connection dies. Defensiveness is a relationship killer.

Instead of Defensiveness – Take Some Responsibility (Gottman Method)

Defensiveness is about denying responsibility by shifting the blame or justifying yourself, etc.

Gottman Couples Therapy Method recommends that the antidote for defensiveness is to take some responsibility. (Wait! Take a breath. I did not say take all the blame. Absorbing all the blame does not help you build a healthy equitable partnership. No one wants you to do that. Okay? Can you hear me out?)

I am saying that we are all imperfect and maybe you could have in some small way contributed to the problem. It does not mean you acted intentionally. But you may have reacted or not reacted in a way that … well… did not help the situation. Gottman recommends you own your piece of the problem, only yours.

Owning your piece of the problem may sound like:

  • Sorry, I was preoccupied. I did not check the baby’s diaper, and I should. I will change it right now. (Move to enact the repair immediately).
  • You are right. You have so much on your plate. I will clean up all the dirty things before I go to bed so in the morning you have a clean kitchen to start the day.

Accepting Responsibility Enhances Conflict De-escalation

When you are able to see and own your part in the problem situation, that reduces the tension between you and your partner when fighting. Learn more about 7 other strategies to de-escalate conflict.

Read: 7 Keys to De-escalate Couples Conflict

Learn More About Defensiveness – Other Relationship Resources

(Coming Soon)

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Stonewalling – Relationship Killer #3

Virtual Christian Marriage Counselling in Edmonton and Alberta.

Stonewalling can sometimes look like someone is intentionally shutting down, but it’s often more about what’s happening in their body. When we get stressed, our bodies release hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. Think of it like a “flood” of these stress chemicals. This overload can make it hard to think clearly. Someone might seem zoned out or unresponsive. They’re actually feeling overwhelmed. It’s not usually a conscious choice to disengage, but more of a reaction to feeling flooded..

Watch Julie Gottman explain more: https://youtu.be/v0pCpvMs6oM?si=5zCJW0-vDlbj8V2x

Instead of Stonewalling – Do Self-Soothing

According to the Gottman’s couples therapy model the primary immediate antidote for stonewalling is taking a break or time-out. A break isn’t about storming off in anger. That kind of walk-out can feel like abandonment and hurts the relationship.

Instead of storming off, ask for a break kindly.

“I am feeling myself get overwhelmed and I need to take a break so that I don’t react in ways that I or we will regret. Is that okay? We will continue this conversation later. “

I am noticing our voicing are getting louder and our tone harsher. I think we need to reset and come back and talk in a calmer frame of mind. “

Taking a break isn’t about dodging tough conversations. It’s actually a caring way to protect your relationship. When things get heated and emotions run high, it’s easy to say or do things we regret. Sometimes those words and actions can be really hard to take back. Stepping away before things escalate can be a really positive thing for your relationship in the long run.

Operational Rules About Time Outs

  1. When one partner asks for the time out the other is to be supportive. Persisting to complete the conversation NOW is not helpful. It adds more stress on an already stressed partner. We understand that if you do not understand the science of flooding you may perceive the time out as avoidance and abandonment too.
  2. The break should be a minimum of 20-30 minutes. It can be longer depending on the intensity of your emotions at the time.
  3. The break is to calm and center oneself. Do not use thisperiod to ruminate about the argument or plan your response or vent to a friend about it. For at least 20 minutes you need to actively do in a soothing coping activity. The most common and accessible strategy is deep breathing. Here is a link to the 478 Breathing Exercise (do as long as needed).
  4. The person who calls for the break is responsible for initiating the follow-up to the conversation. Follow up within 48 hours. If you break this rule, your partner may remind you of the conversation and suggest a time to continue it.

Watch J Gottman explain Flooding here: https://youtu.be/v0pCpvMs6oM?si=5zCJW0-vDlbj8V2x

Trouble with Self-Soothing

It is not uncommon for couples to struggle with this new practice. Partners struggle at various stages of the process. It can be hard to be aware of the need to ask for a break in the midst of an escalating fight. Others have partners who are unwilling to let go of the need to talk it out now. Then others find it hard to do the self-soothing activities and bring themselves back into calm.

If this is the case in your marriage or relationship it may be time to seek out a couples therapist

Couples Counselling

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CONTEMPT – Relationship Killer #4

Contempt is the most destructive relationship killer. It’s when you feel disgusted by your partner and think you’re better than them. You can’t stand their presence, feelings, or thoughts. Communication becomes toxic, filled with negativity and disrespect.

Contempt can be tricky to describe in words because it often shows up in ways other than what we say. Think about it: it’s in the little things like a person’s tone of voice, a raised eyebrow, or how they hold themselves. These non-verbal cues can speak volumes!

Verbally it may sound very demeaning. It could sound like: “You ________, you are useless, you can’t do a simple thing like make toast without ___ burning it”.

Ouch! It disturbs me to even put those words on my page.

Instead of Contempt – Create an Atmosphere of Appreciation

An appreciative atmosphere directly contrasts with the relationship’s pervasive negativity. Appreciation means acknowledging your partner’s positive, kind, and helpful behaviors. Partners learn to express appreciation through rituals such as State of the Union meetings.

Hear another point of view on Contempt here: https://youtu.be/-7PIrQraQRA?si=XXVJykyirV8dexRt

Get Marriage Counselling to Override Contempt

If you need support to break down the mountain of negativity in your relationship and build up that culture of expressing appreciation you may need the assistance of a couples therapist.

Couples Counselling

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Summary

We are fortunate to have the research to identify the specific negative relationship patterns that predict divorce. It is our hope that with reflective reading you might be able to identify which are the relationship killers in your relationship. The solutions offered: gentlestart-upp, accepting responsibility, self-soothing and expressed appreciations were an introductory guide to help you start to introduce positive change. Please like and share with those in your network.

Relationship Killer - Couples Counselling at Help for Families Canada transforms communication problems.

Navigating the Transition to Single Parenting

Finding Your Footing After Separation or Divorce

Child Psychologist in Edmonton - Divorce Counselling

The transition to single parenting can feel like navigating uncharted waters. Whether through separation, divorce, or the unexpected loss of a partner, finding your footing as a solo parent presents unique challenges and rewards.

Acknowledging the Emotions:

Grief and Loss: It’s crucial to acknowledge the grief associated with the loss of the partnership and the family structure you once knew. Allow yourself to feel the range of emotions – sadness, anger, fear, and even relief.

Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself. Single parenting is demanding, and you’re likely juggling multiple roles. Practice self-compassion and remember that it’s okay to not have it all figured out.

STRUGGLES OF SINGLE PARENTING

Single parenting presents unique challenges:

Financial Strain:

Reduced income can significantly impact a family’s financial stability.

Single parents may struggle to cover basic expenses like housing, food, childcare, and healthcare.

Difficulty saving for emergencies or long-term goals like retirement or children’s education.

Emotional and Mental Health:

Loneliness and isolation are common experiences for single parents.

Constant stress and pressure can lead to burnout, anxiety, and depression.

Difficulty finding time for self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Lack of Support:

Limited emotional and practical support from partners can be overwhelming.

Challenges in finding reliable childcare can impact work and personal life.

Difficulty finding time for social connections and dating.

Increased Responsibility:

Single parents shoulder all the responsibilities of parenting alone, including household chores, childcare, and decision-making.

Increased risk of burnout and feeling overwhelmed.

Co-parenting Challenges:

Difficulty communicating and co-parenting effectively with the other parent.

Potential for conflict and disagreements regarding child custody, visitation, and decision-making.

Social Stigma: Single parents may face social stigma and judgment from others

Contact A Counsellor

Learn about child therapy, parent coaching, or family therapy

BUILDING A NEW NORMAL AS A FAMILY

Re-establishing Routines: Children thrive on routine. Establish consistent bedtimes, mealtimes, and daily schedules to provide a sense of stability.

Open Communication: Talk openly with your children about the changes. Answer their questions honestly and age-appropriately.

Self-Care is Essential: Prioritize self-care. Make time for activities that bring you joy, whether it’s reading, exercise, spending time in nature, or simply enjoying a quiet cup of tea.

SEEKING SUPPORTS:

  • Lean on Your Support System: Reach out to family, friends, or other single parents for emotional support and practical assistance.
  • Consider Professional Support: A therapist can provide guidance and coping strategies for navigating the emotional and practical challenges of single parenting.
  • Join Support Groups: Connecting with other single parents can offer valuable insights, shared experiences, and a sense of community.

Embracing the Journey:

Single parenting can be incredibly rewarding. You’ll witness your children’s resilience and growth, and you’ll discover strengths within yourself that you never knew existed. While it won’t be easy, remember that you are not alone.

STRENGTHS OF SINGLE PARENTING

Single parenting can be incredibly challenging, but it also offers unique strengths:

  • Stronger Parent-Child Bonds: With increased time and attention, single parents often develop incredibly close and intimate bonds with their children.
  • Increased Independence and Responsibility: Children in single-parent households often learn valuable life skills like responsibility, problem-solving, and independence at an earlier age. They may contribute more to household chores and decision-making.
  • Enhanced Communication and Empathy: Open and honest communication is often crucial for single-parent families to function. This can foster strong communication skills and empathy in children.
  • Resilience and Adaptability: Single parents and their children often develop remarkable resilience in the face of challenges. They learn to adapt to changing circumstances and overcome obstacles.
  • Greater Flexibility: Single parents often have more flexibility in their schedules and can tailor their lives to better suit their children’s needs.
  • Self-Reliance and Confidence: Single parents often develop strong self-reliance and confidence as they navigate the challenges of raising children alone.

It’s important to remember that every single-parent family is unique, and these are just some of the potential strengths.

Learn More

Separation or Divorce: Talking to School-aged Children

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Benefits of Summer Child Therapy

Why the summer is ideal to start child therapy

Child Psychologist in Summer for Kids _ADHD, Anxiety, At Risk Youth

Summer is coming. Some parents have plans and events planned out early for their child for the summer, others may be worried about the uncertainties around what to do with the children over the long summer holidays. Help for Families Canada’s child therapist, Tania Bryan, helps you understand why the summertime is an ideal opportunity to start child therapy.  

Summer Counselling Benefits

Proactive Learning of Coping Skills During Summer Child Therapy

Most parents look for therapy only after a crisis—an outburst at home, a meltdown at school, or constant conflict. But what if therapy was used the same way as regular checkups? We don’t wait until a child is very sick to see a doctor. We go early to prevent problems. The same idea works for mental health.

Summer gives children the chance to practice skills without the stress of homework or tests. By the time school starts, they walk in feeling more prepared and less anxious.

Summer Therapy Learning for the Shy or Socially Anxious Child

Some children freeze when asked to introduce themselves in class. Others sit alone at recess, wishing they knew how to join a game. These moments can feel painful for both the child and the parent watching.

Summer therapy can give shy or socially anxious children a safe place to practice. They learn how to start conversations, respond when someone says “no,” and handle peer conflict without shutting down. Kids also learn ways to calm their body when their heart races or their hands sweat. With these tools, the first day of school becomes less scary and more exciting.

Summer Therapy Learning for the Child with Anxiety

Imagine a child who knows the material but freezes during a test. Or one who spends hours worrying at night about making a mistake the next day. These worries often get in the way of learning.

In summer therapy, children learn coping strategies before the pressure returns. Using CBT techniques, they practice turning “I’ll fail this test” into “I can prepare and do my best.” They also build skills to calm their bodies—like breathing exercises or grounding tools—so they don’t get stuck in a panic spiral. When school starts, they have ways to manage stress instead of being overwhelmed by it.

Summer Therapy Learning for the Child with A.D.H.D.

Children with ADHD often mean well but still lose homework, forget chores, or get stuck starting assignments. A parent may watch them bounce from one task to another without finishing anything. Over time, this can lead to daily frustration for both the child and the family.

Summer therapy provides focused training in executive functioning skills. Kids practice simple systems for staying organized, breaking big tasks into smaller steps, and finishing what they start. For example, instead of missing another project deadline, a child learns how to create a checklist and follow it through. By fall, they enter school with a plan that sets them up for success.

Improving family relationships

A lot of family time over 7 to 10 weeks of summer holidays can highlight areas of strain and conflict in family relationships. Summertime child therapy can easily incorporate family therapy to build communication and conflict management skills for the child, as well as for the family.

Kids Are More Relaxed & Open in Summertime Child Therapy

School year brings with it stress and pressures which may distract or hinder your child’s openness to therapy and doing the work of therapy on top of their academic responsibilities and extracurricular activities. In my own practice as a child counselor, I prefer to not schedule children under the age of 12 years for after school therapy sessions because their attention is low and their capacity for additional learning is limited. Children are better able to internalize new coping skills and be better equipped to use them later when learning takes place during summer child therapy.  

Protection for at risk children& youth from the dangers of lack of routine.

According to Psychology Today article Why Summer is an Ideal Time for Your Child’s Therapy

“For some teens who are prone to anxiety or depression, the lack of structure during the summer can even exacerbate moodiness and malaise”  – Dr. Amy Mezulis

Dr. Amy Mezulis proposed that a therapist can help teens maximize their summertime goals or intentions and also to find a balance between their free time & structured activities and sustain emotional wellbeing.

Summer intensives are less expensive & more impactful.

In the effort to save money child therapy is often booked in a wide range throughout the school year. But, for high complex situations such as rage & aggressive behaviors as well as self harm, if a child is attending therapy regularly (1 or 2 times per week) for four to six weeks more significant observable changes are reported by parents. These gains are easily maintained with consistent intermittent therapy through the next school year.

Take-Aways

Therapy for children during the summer offers a wide range of benefits including strengthening family relationships, learning relevant coping skills in a time when they are less stressed and in a better space for learning. Additionally access to intensive scheduling brings optimum behavioural changes for complex behaviours. 

Invitation for Enrollment for Child Therapy Services

If your child already has challenges or you are wanting to proactively invest in your child’s mental & emotional wellbeing, please schedule a free phone consult to find out about our child therapy services.

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