Common difficulties I see in children…
…And how support and therapy can help
Children and young people can present very differently in different settings — confident and lively at a party, yet anxious or withdrawn at school or home. As a child psychotherapist and clinician that has worked within NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), I regularly see patterns that concern parents and carers and impact family life.
Anxiety
One of the most common issues I see is anxiety. Children may complain of physical symptoms such as stomach aches or reluctance to go to school, even when there’s no physical cause. These behaviours often reflect deeper fears — of separation, of not coping, or of something they can’t yet put into words. Working out what’s happening for your child, and what makes them feel unsafe or overwhelmed, is the first step toward helping them feel more secure.
Emotional Regulation and Resilience
Some children struggle to tolerate frustration, changes in routine, or ‘boring’ or challenging moments. This might look like frequent meltdowns, difficulty sticking with tasks, or becoming quickly upset when things don’t go their way. Children who lack emotional regulation can benefit from supportive, boundary-holding environments where they can learn to name feelings and tolerate challenging emotions with guidance and practice.
Boundaries, Screens, and Sleep
Modern life presents unique challenges. Screens can be highly stimulating and interfere with sleep, attention, and emotional wellbeing. Poor sleep hygiene — staying up late, difficulty settling, interrupted rest — can be both a cause and a consequence of daytime emotional difficulties. Supporting boundaries around screens, routines, nutrition and physical activity can improve sleep and overall regulation.
Autism and Neurodiversity
Sometimes, children’s behaviours point to neurodiversity, such as autism spectrum characteristics, which can include sensory sensitivities, communication differences, and strong routines. These traits are not “bad behaviour,” but expressions of how a child’s nervous system operates. Understanding and responding to these differences with acceptance and tailored support can significantly improve a child’s wellbeing.
________________________________________
How Therapy Can Help
Every child is unique, and behaviours that are hard for parents to manage often have a meaning behind them — a way of showing that a child is overwhelmed, misunderstood, or struggling to express feelings in words.
Therapy offers a safe space for children to explore, express, and process their thoughts and emotions with a trained professional. It also gives parents and carers support, understanding, and tools to respond in ways that feel safe and effective for the whole family.
If you’re noticing persistent emotional or behavioural difficulties in your child and want to understand what’s underneath, I’d be happy to talk with you. You can read the full article on Welldoing here:
➡️ As a CAMHS Child Psychotherapist, Here Are the Common Difficulties I See in Children
And if you’d like to explore your child’s experience in more depth, or consider next steps in assessment or support, please get in touch to arrange a parent consultation.