How do you know if your kid is normal? That’s a million-dollar question. What is normal? I think that really is the main issue is what IS normal? I think that when we talk about intelligence or what is smart, I mean we can weigh all these things against what is typical?
So what’s typical for your child’s age? What’s typical for your child’s temperament? I think that is a more important thing to look at than normal. But, I also think that if you’re worried about something, first of all, as a parent, you have some gut feelings about your kids. But when you’re worried about something, if it’s getting in the way of your child’s functioning, if something like being worried about missing the bus is getting in the way of your child actually getting to school or if you notice that your child is sort of sad and their sadness is getting in the way of them making new friends. Then really, that’s sort of outside of what’s typical.
When we’re looking at and talking about what’s normal, we’re really talking about what’s typical. It’s not really typical for a child to feel depressed or anxious, so if those are things that you see, then it’s a really good idea to get some support from your school, from your family members, and from a professional so that you can figure out what’s going on and problem solve ways to make it better.
Until next week, Be Wise!
“Dr. Amy talks about moving children from being externally-driven to internally-driven…and she helps you get there!”
— Parent of 15-year-old daughter“My friend raves about what Cleo has done for her son!” ~ Parent of an inquiring new client
— Parent of an inquiring new client“I don’t think we could survive our kid without The Wise Family. Our clinician is so patient and such a compassionate person. She helps our child feel so in control of his body, and us so in control of our parenting.”
— Parent of 6 year old client