When parents disagree about their child needing therapy
You believe wholeheartedly your child needs therapy, but your child’s father isn’t fully on board.
It may be because your child’s father doesn’t know the extent of the behavioral challenges you’re having with your child. Or, it could be because your child may not be having problems with his dad as much as they are happening with you.
These are both great reasons to have a conversation about what you think your child needs, and the ideas the two of you have for meeting them.
It’s important to communicate honestly with your child’s father about what the challenges are that you’re experiencing daily with your kid and how much it pains you.
Enlightening your child’s father about the goals you have for your child (better grades at school, more friends, more affectionate and talkative with you, able to follow directions with a smile on his face, etc.) and the worry you have that your child may not meet those goals can go a long way in getting your child’s father to agree to go to therapy.
Be honest about how much it would mean for you to have your child in therapy because it means you finally get the support YOU need during this difficult time with your child.
Of all the children I work with, 90% of their fathers have chosen to come to session on at least 1 occasion, and about 50% of fathers regularly bring their child into session and participate in the parent portion at the end of every session.
Most of these men have expressed gratefulness their wife had a conversation with them about the difficulties they noticed their child was having. They say they were aware of some of the challenges, but it was really hard for them to bring it up themselves.
The fact that you are able to have an honest conversation and be an advocate for your child can help the family as a whole.
I hope what I’ve shared with you today makes your journey getting your child into therapy that much easier.
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Jenmarie Eadie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is passionate about helping children to become less stressed by giving them and their parents tools, support and encouragement. She received her Master’s in Social Work from Arizona State with a dual concentration in Children, Youth, and Families; and Behavioral Health. Her proudest accomplishment is following her dream of opening up a practice that is designed to focus on the whole family. She currently serves families in Southern California.
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