It’s oh-so-tempting to take a “let’s wing it” approach to therapy with your kids. But hold on! No one likes to be thrown in the deep end. Here are some special tips for parents to make therapy appointments relaxed and fun.
- Give your child the heads up
Make sure you give your child a heads up about who you’re going to see, what shenanigans will go down in the session, and how long the appointment will last. Your older kiddos might be ready to tackle the hefty questions like why they need this appointment and how it’ll make life better for them. This kind of chat can turn the scary unknown into a fun adventure!
- Keep the day relaxed
Meeting new people and exploring new spots can be a blast, but those first therapy appointments? Whoa, they’re a whole ride on their own! So, do yourself and your child a favor—don’t squeeze in a haircut, hit the grocery store like a whirlwind or plan to meet three new therapists in one day. Keep the day low key and do-able.
- Make a team with your child’s VIPs
Naturally, your child will need a grown-up to come along for therapy sessions – probably you! But is there someone else who plays a big part in your little one’s life? An aunt? A grandparent? Teacher? It could be worth chatting with your therapist about how to get these VIPs involved in the therapy process. It’s tempting to do the drop and run, or set up a support worker to take your child to therapy. These are last resorts in an imperfect world. Your child can’t navigate this on their own. They need a team of adults prepared to step up and take the experiences in therapy, into the rest of life.
- Make it playful
Playtime isn’t just fun and games – it’s a child’s way of understanding the world. Ever seen a kid pretending to be a T-Rex or stacking blocks like a mini architect? That’s them learning life skills. Therapists use play to assess and support a child’s skill development. A child learns best when they’re relaxed, so join in the fun! Never done it before? No worries, your therapist can guide you, just ask about how you can join in the fun!
- Preparing to talk about difficult things
Tough chats? No problem. Your therapist is there to help you and your child through the awkward moments. Remember, the right approach can turn an uneasy topic into a hopeful conversation for your child. If there’s a weighty subject on your mind, give your therapist a heads-up before your session, or set up a separate time to make sure you have a plan that you’re comfortable with.