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Post by anon4now on Mar 3, 2008 11:45:26 GMT -5
How do you explain to a 9 year old why he's seeing a psychiatrist? I'm going through some scenarios through my head, but I wanted to get you opinions.
I'm thinking about explaining how kids don't come with an instruction manual. And there are some things that I just don't know how to do, and so I'm going to this doctor to get some help.
With every situation where he "gets in trouble" we explain to him that we are trying to help him change things. For instance if he runs up the stairs and we tell him to stop, we explain, if he doesn't he could fall and get hurt. And if he can't remember when we tell him, then there's a consequence to breaking that rule (writing it down over and over on a piece of paper) --That's a simple example..but that's how we handle it in a nutshell.
So I'm thinking, we're seeing this doctor because I don't know how to help him for every situation. And go from there.
Anyone else have suggestions, or have had this conversation? I know he's uncomfortable because he feels like this doctor is asking all these questions and he doesn't know who she is. It was easier when he was 6, he just trusted me. ;D
Anon
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Post by misty on Mar 3, 2008 12:12:42 GMT -5
My daughter was 9 or 10 when I had her in therapy. I told her basically what you are thinking of. I told her that the therapist went to school to learn how to help kids that needed it & that since I don't know how to help her with every aspect, we are going to get further help. She ended up really clicking with the therapist so it wasn't as hard as I thought. You know what's weird though? A couple weeks ago I was talking to Shannon about something & she said "Yeah mom, remember when I had that anger problem?" I said "What are you talking about? You never had an anger problem." She said "yes I did..I went to anger management classes".....I was completely at a loss because she NEVER had a problem with anger. she went to therapy to help her socially & with organization. Well, it turns out she was thinking of a project her & the therapist had done. They made what they called a "Darn it doll". It was a sock doll that was for when Shannon got frustrated with school or whatever, she could punch it or toss it around or whatever, Now 3-4 years later Shannon is looking back & remembering that doll & thinking her entire therapy year was anger management classes!  |
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Post by lcdc1 on Mar 3, 2008 18:28:00 GMT -5
I dunno at that age? Huhm. I tell Ran now that the physcologist she saw for testing last year and again last week is one that will make sure the school did the right testing and that they are researching their teaching techniques to make sure they are teaching her right. I told her it also gives me ideas on how to treat her better when we communicate. BUT, she is 14.
I think kids want to hear a short and simple to the point thing and then they might have a question or 2 and that is it! Keep it positive.
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Post by katiekat on Mar 3, 2008 20:30:13 GMT -5
I have told Sean basically the same thing that you are thinking. That he goes to the psych so that I can learn how to help him and he can learn how to help himself. He accepts this and doesnt mind going, he has always been very aware that he has some difficulties with controlling himself, anxiety, etc.
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Post by unicorn on Mar 4, 2008 21:46:00 GMT -5
I have told my daughter who is now 9, that basically the same things as everyone else. She can talk to you about things in a different way then your parents/grandparents or teachers can. She can help you also understand feelings you have inside. That she is better qualified in a lot of areas that we aren't.
She understands, but sometimes doesn't like it. She does like when she gets to color. Even though she doesn't realize it is showing how she is feeling inside.
Hope you can find the right words.
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Post by jill on Mar 6, 2008 7:36:37 GMT -5
I told my 8 year old when she was 7 by saying to her "you know when you have trouble doing this" or "difficulty with that" and explained to her she had ADHD and shared with her there was nothing wrong with it that she thinks differently than others and is smart. I also told her it is our secret not to tell her friends or anyone for they would never understand and let her know it is nothing she did that she was born that way. I also let her know we love her no matter what.
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Post by rakuflames on Mar 6, 2008 9:17:49 GMT -5
I told my 8 year old when she was 7 by saying to her "you know when you have trouble doing this" or "difficulty with that" and explained to her she had ADHD and shared with her there was nothing wrong with it that she thinks differently than others and is smart. I also told her it is our secret not to tell her friends or anyone for they would never understand and let her know it is nothing she did that she was born that way. I also let her know we love her no matter what. I just told my seven year old that we were going to find out why she was struggling with some things. She said "Good, I want to know too." |
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