How Can Parents Stay Involved in Their Child’s Therapy?
As a parent, it’s natural to want to support your child in every way possible, especially when they’re in therapy. However, we find that when parents find us, they have already tried therapy but felt disconnected from their child’s treatment.
Children learn important skills in therapy, but parents often don’t know how to reinforce those lessons at home. So, how can you as a parent, get more involved and help your child succeed?
Understand the Treatment Goals
Therapy is goal-oriented, and knowing what your child is working toward is super important to achieve your goals. Ask the therapist to share their treatment goals and progress measures with you. This will give you insight into what your child is focusing on and how progress is being tracked.
Ask About Skills and Tools
Many children are taught coping strategies, emotional regulation skills, or communication techniques during therapy. But if parents aren’t familiar with these tools, it becomes harder to support their use at home. Make it a point to ask the therapist for a quick rundown of the skills your child is learning. This way, you can help create opportunities to practice those skills in real life.And, you can reward your child for using their skills!
Create an Open Dialogue
Talking openly with your child about their therapy can be empowering for both of you. Ask questions like, “What did you learn today that we can try together?” or “How can I help when you’re feeling overwhelmed?” These conversations can help your child see that you want to improve too.
Attend Parent Meetings
Therapists often offer parent meetings to update you on your child’s progress and suggest ways you can help. If your child’s therapist doesn’t already offer this, ask if they can schedule regular check-ins to keep you in the loop.
How To Move Foward
Therapy is most effective when everyone is on the same page. By actively participating in your child’s therapy process, you’re not only helping them meet their goals, but you’re also strengthening the bond between you. Remember, therapy is a team effort, and parents are a crucial part of that team.
The National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) offers tips for successful family therapy. Check out more of our resources about family therapy and parenting skills. Looking for counseling for yourself? Read More about why self care for parents is so important.
People Also Asked
Where to go from here. If this sounds familiar, take a look at parent coaching and support. Or skip the reading and book a free 15-minute call; we will help you figure out the right next step.
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