When a child is having a hard time at school, behaviour is often the first thing adults notice. However, behaviour is communication. Children and teens do not always have the words to explain frustration, worry, friendship problems or feeling overwhelmed.
That is where art, sand and play can be powerful. Research on creative and play-based therapies suggests these approaches can support emotional regulation, communication, self-expression and social development. In therapy, a child may use art to explore a feeling, sand to make sense of an experience, or play to practise problem solving, flexibility and relationships.
I often remind parents that the goal is not simply a “better behaved” child. We want children to understand themselves, recover from difficult moments and feel more confident with other people.
Those skills can lead to better school days.
Gowthorpe Therapists offers child and teen therapy in Belleville and Quinte West. Services are often covered by extended health insurance plans.