Nurturing Growth: How Therapy and Parents Create Well-Adjusted Children

As Dr. Ross Green says, “Every child does well if they can.” This simple but profound truth guides parents in shifting from frustration to curiosity about their child’s behavior. Rather than seeing misbehavior as a personal affront, we recognize it as a signal that the child lacks the skills needed to succeed.

Understanding the Behavior

When a child refuses to do homework, acts out in school, or displays defiance, we often feel helpless. Green’s approach invites us to ask, “What’s getting in the way?” A child struggling with homework, for example, may feel overwhelmed by a lack of organization or confidence. Similarly, a child acting out at school may struggle with anxiety or feeling invisible. By identifying these causes, we move from blame to problem-solving.

The Role of Therapy

Therapy is a transformative partner in this process. In therapy, children learn to regulate emotions, solve problems, and most importantly, recognize their own value. Through cognitive-behavioral therapy, children reframe negative self-talk. In play therapy, younger children express emotions and explore their worth. As therapy progresses, children build self-confidence. They realize that they are capable, worthy, and loved.

• Key Skills Children Can Learn
  • Emotional Regulation: They identify feelings and learn to manage impulses.
  • Problem-Solving: They break tasks into manageable steps.
  • Communication: They express needs confidently, strengthening relationships
• As therapy progresses, something beautiful emerges: Children begin to grasp their worth. They no longer see themselves through the lens of failure, but as growing individuals, capable of learning and thriving. This newfound confidence not only helps them in school but in every aspect of life.

How Parents Can Support at Home

• Stay Curious: Ask open-ended questions like, “What’s happening for you?”
• Praise Effort: Celebrate progress, not just results.
• Collaborate with Therapists: Align with the therapist to reinforce skills consistently at home.

Bringing It All Together

In the end, understanding that every child does well if there is an open path towards compassion and growth. By partnering with therapy and staying curious, we help our children unlock their full potential, growing into confident, resilient individuals who can succeed in all areas of life.

This article was written by licensed therapist, Gilbert Perez. To read more about Gilbert Perez or to schedule an appointment with him, click the link here: Gilbert Perez