In this episode of Real Life Counseling, Ryan talks with Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW, Amanda Riendeau, LMHC and Andreina Bello, LMHC from The Counseling Corner about a question many parents ask: Is my child’s behavior normal, or is it a sign they may need therapy?

The conversation explores common concerns like big meltdowns, clinginess, stomach aches before school, sudden withdrawal, emotional outbursts, bedwetting, panic, perfectionism, and behavior changes after stressful events. The team explains how parents can use five practical filters — frequency, intensity, duration, daily functioning, and change from baseline — to better understand what their child’s behavior may be communicating.

This episode also gives parents a clear look at what child therapy, play therapy, and therapy for kids can actually look like. Rather than being a punishment or a sign that something is “wrong,” therapy can give children a safe, age-appropriate way to express feelings through conversation, play, art, movement, and connection.

Key Takeaways:

• Not all child behavior is a problem to fix; sometimes behavior is a signal to understand.
• Parents should compare a child’s behavior to that child’s normal baseline, not to siblings or other kids.
• The five helpful filters are frequency, intensity, duration, functioning, and change from baseline.
• Physical symptoms like stomach aches or headaches before school can sometimes point to stress or anxiety.
• Long tantrums, major behavior shifts, panic symptoms, or changes that affect school, sleep, eating, friendships, or home life may be worth exploring with a therapist.
• Child therapy often involves both the parent and child, especially in the first session.
• Play therapy helps kids communicate feelings they may not have the words to explain yet.
• Therapy for kids is not punishment; it is support for the child and the family.
• Parents can start by connecting before correcting and getting curious about what the behavior may be saying.

REAL LIFE COUNSELING — LISTEN NOW

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4oUv25gP3n01Gtf3xpoBjU?si=6d3092fff5794b8d

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4ohRxq2

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCounselingCornerFL

THE COUNSELING CORNER — CONTACT US

Website: www.counselingcorner.net

Phone: 407-843-4968

Email: info@counselingcorner.net

Address: 1631 Hillcrest St., Orlando, FL 32803

FOLLOW US: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/counselingcornerorlando/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/1631CounselingCorner

Meet Our Counselors:

Dr. Ernie Reilly, LCSW

Dr. Judi Allen, LCSW

Andreina Bellow, LMHC

Amanda Riendeau, LMHC

Michael Bombka, LMHC

Michelle Buchanan, LMHC

Walter Echols, LCSW

George Allmaras, LMHC

Alejandra Rios, MA, RMHCI