Christian Counseling for Children Archives | Plano Christian Counseling

How Can Anger Management in Children Be Helped With Counseling?

How Can Anger Management in Children Be Helped With Counseling?

D. Nicole Ready, Kate Motaung2026-01-13T06:42:58+00:00January 13th, 2026|Anger Issues, Christian Counseling for Children, Featured, Individual Counseling|

What are your evenings at home characterized by? Are you exhausted from the anticipation of your child having another bad day at school? Have you tried positive reinforcement, pep talks, consequences, and times out with no luck? Do explosive emotions, angry outbursts, meltdowns, meanness, tantrums, and aggressive behavior characterize the life of your child? The Need for Anger Management in Children These scenarios might lead parents to seek out the help of a counselor for their child and family. Honestly, even as adults, anger can sometimes get the best of us. Anger can quickly overwhelm us and cause destructive patterns of emotional response. The interesting thing about anger is that it is often a secondary emotion, meaning that there are likely other primary feelings that are hiding underneath the display of anger that need to be identified to bring change to the cycle of negative emotions and behavior. Counseling for anger management and other destructive emotional behavior patterns in children will often begin with psychoeducation. Simply put, initial counseling sessions are used to educate the client about a wide array of emotions. For children, this must be done in an environment where they feel safe and seen. Parents need to find a therapist that they feel comfortable with and one that can build relationally with their child. Approaches to Anger Management in Children Once care is established, you can say, “Let the games begin.” There are many games and activities available to help children begin to learn more about what and why they are feeling so much anger and outrage. Approaching therapy this way with children will allow them to avoid feeling like therapy is punitive. Therapy will allow children who are struggling with big emotions to safely explore all feelings. Over time, children will be able to identify [...]

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7 Types of Behavioral Problems in Children

7 Types of Behavioral Problems in Children

Melissa Plantz2025-12-31T06:33:11+00:00December 31st, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Children often react in ways that frustrate their parents. However, when should you be concerned about behavioral problems? When are their actions no longer typical and become an issue? Knowing the common behavioral problems in children can help you navigate this season and ask for support when needed. 7 Common Types of Behavioral Problems in Children Temper tantrums, outbursts, hitting other people, and knocking over things are common behaviors in children with behavioral problems, but so are changes in sleep patterns and appetite, social withdrawal, self-harm, and suicidal ideations. There are several types of behavioral problems in children that are often categorized as disruptive behaviors, neurodevelopmental disorders, or emotional disorders. ADHD Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a disruptive behavior disorder characterized by the inability to focus and concentrate, disorganization, fidgeting, and sometimes impulsive behaviors. Children with ADHD may forget more often or lose homework. They can be impatient at times. Unfortunately, many adults label ADHD children as difficult, which can lead to children fulfilling the adults’ expectations, making their behavior worse. Oppositional Defiant Disorder Children go through rebellious stages, but children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder constantly argue with others, have issues with authority, blame others for their own mistakes, and try to annoy other people. They break the rules and question why they should have to follow them in the first place. They may hit others and say mean things. A child with Oppositional Defiant Disorder may find it hard to make and keep friends unless they learn how to manage their behavioral problems. Autism Spectrum Disorder Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder. The spectrum runs from mild symptoms to severe. One child with autism may only suffer from social interaction issues and the inability to relate to others and empathize. In contrast, another child may have communication [...]

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Mental Disorders in Children: 6 Signs Your Child May Need Help

Hannah Parks, Kate Motaung2025-12-09T08:35:33+00:00December 9th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Childhood is a precious time. Children play, make friends, and absorb knowledge in everything they do. It is a moment in a parent’s life that they will look back and wish their children were that age again. But for some, childhood brings the emergence of mental disorders. Many mental conditions display signs in the teenage years or as early as grade school age. Signs That Your Child Might Need Help Kids display signs of mental disorders, although they may be subtle initially. These conditions affect emotional, mental, cognitive, and behavioral health. Not all children complain or can explain that they feel “off.” Academic Problems Slipping grades, fights at school, problems with friends, and defiant behavior toward teachers and authority could be a sign of a mental condition. By eliminating other factors, such as bullying, your doctor can better pinpoint the root of the problem and determine an accurate diagnosis. Behavioral Issues Fighting, hitting, arguing, isolating, and other behavioral issues could indicate that something isn’t right. If your child’s behavior escalates to the point that teachers and authorities need to step in or if your child withdraws from the world, a professional mental health assessment may be due. Appetite Changes Appetite changes can be subtle. You may not notice if your child is eating too little or too much for a while, especially in a busy household. Take note of your child’s appearance. Do they seem to be rapidly gaining or losing weight? Watch them at mealtimes and observe if they are snacking excessively. Childhood and the teenage years are particularly prone to developing eating disorders, which can also coexist with other mental health conditions. Sleep Changes Your child may not express any sleep issues, so you may need to observe their physical appearance and behavior. Many mental disorders can cause [...]

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Social Media and Body Image: Back to School Edition

Social Media and Body Image: Back to School Edition

Melissa Plantz2025-09-08T06:24:27+00:00September 8th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Personal Development|

Back to school is a time when many families are ready for a fresh start. There is so much hope for the future, excitement, and maybe a little bit of anxiety. But for some children, their body image impacts how they will interact with others and pursue their goals. How we perceive our bodies affects how we behave and the beliefs that we hold onto. Social media and body image play critical roles in how a child views themselves. The Effects of Social Media and Body Image on Kids The effects of social media and body image on children can last a lifetime. Children, as young as grade school, begin to notice society’s ideal image of what someone should look like to be pretty, handsome, cool, or successful. They start their quest to fulfill what they believe everyone wants. Comparison Children who spend time on social media may begin to compare their own bodies to those of their peers and celebrities, not understanding how unrealistic many of these images are after being airbrushed and filtered. Body Dysmorphia Body dysmorphia is an excessive worry about how one looks. It is an obsession with perceived flaws. This obsession can interfere with a child’s daily activities and socialization. Eating Disorders Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa and bulimia, are fatal if left untreated. They cause severe physical illness. Binge eating is another eating disorder that can develop in some children, especially if they use food as a coping mechanism. Increased Risk for Depression and Anxiety Too much time scrolling social media and worrying about body image can increase depression and anxiety in both adults and children. Parents and educators should stay informed about social media and body image, and be willing to celebrate each child’s uniqueness until that child embraces a positive [...]

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Play Therapy for Children in Plano, Texas

Play Therapy for Children in Plano, Texas

Caitlin Mallery2025-04-25T09:55:02+00:00April 25th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Family Counseling, Featured|

Therapy takes on a lot of different forms. Talking is the most obvious but not the most accessible for children. Learning to communicate with children is often done better with strategies that involve playing rather than talking. Play therapy for children in Plano, Texas is used by trained therapists in Plano as a way to help children become comfortable with sharing and learn different tools for responding to their stress, trauma, or struggles. When to Use Play Therapy Children who have emotional and behavioral difficulties or have been struggling with depression, anxiety, or aggression can benefit from play therapy. Children who have had developmental delays or learning disabilities benefit from it as well. If you watch children you may notice that they use play as a form of practicing life. When directed this type of play can help children work through things they struggle with in a controlled environment. They can be given coping mechanisms and tools to replicate the solution found in this kind of play on a larger scale. Some Examples Sand play therapy Children use sand, water, and miniature objects to create a world that represents their inner thoughts and feelings. Art therapy Children use art materials such as paints, clay, and markers to express themselves creatively. This can sometimes be done as a conversational tool, “I drew a square. What would you add to make it look like a house?” Music therapy Children can use music to express their emotions. This could use instruments or computer programming to create music. Drama therapy Children use drama and role-playing to explore different situations and learn new ways of interacting with others. Puppet therapy They use puppets to tell stories and express their feelings. Many children may find it easier to communicate in this more indirect manner. Movement [...]

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How to Navigate the Complex Waters of Divorce and Children

How to Navigate the Complex Waters of Divorce and Children

Bryan Ferguson, Kate Motaung2025-03-21T08:19:38+00:00March 13th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Christian Counseling For Teens, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling, Relationship Issues|

Choosing to share the rest of your life with a person has a profound impact on the rest of your life. When a person gets married, they don’t know exactly what will come their way because life can be unpredictable. Ending a marriage is a big decision, and it can be one of the most painful decisions a person makes in their life. This pain is magnified when divorce and children mix. Dealing With Divorce as an Adult Getting divorced is complicated on several levels. This includes the social, legal, and moral dimensions and implications of the decision. When a person gets divorced, there is a lot they work through to get to that point, but beyond divorce lies other questions, feelings, and thoughts that need to be unpacked. Plano Christian Counseling can help individuals navigate these challenges with faith-based support and guidance. Dealing with a divorce in a healthy way requires several things. Take time to heal Marriage joins two people, two lives, together into one. When a man and woman are joined together in marriage, the two become “one flesh”, and they share life. (Genesis 2:24-25, Matthew 19: 4-6) God’s intention is for people to persist in this state of unity. If that unity is broken through a divorce, it is like tearing off a piece of yourself. Your marriage may have been a difficult one, and divorce opened up new vistas, but you should still take the time to heal. Getting a divorce brings an important part of your life to an end. With that is dealing with the absence and loss of a person to whom you had significant emotional and physical ties. Sometimes, what needs to be mourned is the loss of a dream and of the potential your relationship had. That includes the [...]

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How to Parent a Child with ADHD and RSD

How to Parent a Child with ADHD and RSD

Stephanie Kramer2025-03-21T08:32:45+00:00March 11th, 2025|ADHD/ADD, Christian Counseling for Children, Featured, General|

Your child comes home from school, their shoulders slumped and eyes brimming with tears. You ask what’s wrong, and they mutter something about a classmate’s joke or a teacher’s passing comment. To you, it might seem small, something that most kids would brush off, but to them – their world is crashing along with their self-esteem. They may have ADHD and RSD. Their pain is raw, mountainous, immediate, and consuming. You are left to figure out how to comfort them and prevent long-term damage. This is what parenting a child with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria (RSD) can feel like. For a parent, it can create a helpless feeling, seeing your child crumble over things that wouldn’t rattle most people and not knowing how to protect them from a world that is sometimes too harsh. Plano Christian Counseling offers support and guidance to help parents navigate the challenges of raising a child with RSD. Why do so many children have ADHD and RSD? While it is possible to have RSD without ADHD, the two are most often linked. ADHD isn’t just about lack of focus or inattentiveness. Those are what most people talk about when they think of ADHD. It also affects emotional regulation. The part of the brain that helps to manage emotions, the prefrontal cortex, doesn’t always work efficiently in people with ADHD. This can lead to emotions that feel big and hard to control. Signs of ADHD and RSD RSD can show up in various ways. Here are some signs that your child may have RSD. Extreme emotional pain They might feel devastated by what other people see as only mild criticism or rejections. Fear of rejection Those with RDS may avoid situations where rejection is possible, like applying for jobs, asking someone out on a date, or [...]

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3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health in Plano, Texas

3 Easy Ways to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health in Plano, Texas

Michelle Lazurek2025-03-22T06:50:51+00:00February 11th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Family Counseling, Featured, Individual Counseling|

Because mental health issues are on the rise, it is important to protect your child’s mental health. In this article, we’ll look at three ways to help improve your child’s mental health, including specific ideas for addressing your child’s mental health in Plano, Texas. Children cannot always verbalize why they are feeling down or anxious about something. They might hide those feelings from their parent for fear of punishment or a lecture. Therefore, it’s more important than ever for a parent to be aware of their child’s mental health and make sure that they are well so that they can brave the circumstances of life. It may be difficult for you to discern what state your child’s mental health is. However, three easy ways exist to improve your child’s mental health today. Plano Christian Counseling provides faith-based guidance and support to help parents nurture their child’s emotional well-being. 3 Ways to Improve Your Child’s Mental Health in Plano, Texas Positive Affirmations Positive affirmations are a great way to boost your child’s mood and remind them of their identity and who they are. Affirmations can be done quickly while a child is getting ready for school. All they must do is either look in the mirror and say positive statements to themselves or say them to themselves while they’re getting dressed in the morning. These types of affirmations can be something like, “I am strong,” “I am beautiful,” or “I can do this.” Children are not limited to saying this in the morning but can say it to themselves throughout the day. Sometimes, they need a reminder of the good characteristics of their lives as they go through peer pressure, issues with their teachers, performance at school, extracurricular activities, etc. They can take it one step further and write it [...]

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Children and Emotional Behavior Disorders

Children and Emotional Behavior Disorders

Cyndi Kay Green2025-09-30T12:53:50+00:00February 5th, 2025|Christian Counseling for Children, Family Counseling, Featured|

Children can be affected by mental health issues that are related to emotional behavior disorders. These disorders make it hard for the child to regulate emotions. When this happens, they may not make the right choices for the proper behavior in certain situations. Understanding disorders that a child may have, such as emotional behavior disorder, can help caregivers choose strategies to manage behavioral issues. Plano Christian Counseling provides faith-based guidance and support to help families navigate these challenges with compassion and effective strategies. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. – John 14:27, NIV Causes of Emotional Behavior Disorders There are no defined causes of emotional behavior disorders in children. To properly identify these disorders, many factors are considered. The difference in brain chemistry and genetics are known to play a role in the presence of emotional behavior disorders when there are other mental health issues involved. Other causes connected with these disorders are traumatic experiences that result in behavior issues such as abuse and neglect. Types of Emotional Behavior Disorders Emotional disorders are related to mood disorders. When a professional refers to emotional behavior disorders, they are typically describing mental health conditions that affect a person’s mood. Children can suffer from emotional behavior disorders as well as adults. ADHD - Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder This is a neurobehavioral disorder that is typically diagnosed in childhood. Most of the symptoms are characteristic of inattention and impulsivity. Easily distracted. Restless. Interrupting others. Has difficulty following directions. Disruptive. Impulsive actions. Conduct Disorder Children with conduct disorder often express aggression toward others and violate normal behavior with peers. Bullying others. Cruel to animals or others. Destruction of property. [...]

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Easing Stress When Moving to a New House

Easing Stress When Moving to a New House

Jennifer Kooshian2025-10-11T06:40:33+00:00December 30th, 2024|Anxiety, Christian Counseling for Children, Depression, Family Counseling, Featured, Personal Development|

Relocating your whole life is not an easy thing to do. Moving house is one of the more stressful things that an average person goes through. That’s one of the reasons why one can read the biblical stories in Exodus and Numbers of the ancient Israelites grumbling on their desert sojourn with some sympathy. Imagine settling and uprooting yourself and your family so often! Unfortunately, moving house, while being extremely stressful, is one of the realities that we must contend with at some point in our lives. For many of us, we’d rather remain rooted right where we are. There is a sense of comfort, familiarity, and security in being in one place and building our lives there. And so, when a move needs to happen, it can be disruptive, unpleasant, and stressful. Plano Christian Counseling is here to help you navigate the transition with faith-based guidance and support, so you can find peace and stability in the midst of change. Why Moving House Is Stressful There are many reasons why moving house is stressful. Sometimes it’s the reasons behind the move that make it stressful, while in many cases the simple fact of moving itself is the issue. Each of us has our own level of tolerance for change and disruption to our daily routines. Often, it’s only when your routine is disturbed – when you don’t get that morning coffee or your morning commute is disrupted – that you see how out of sorts you are for the rest of the day. Moving house can be stressful for the following reasons: The circumstances behind the move There are many reasons why people move. Sometimes, those reasons are less than pleasant, and that can add to the stress one experiences. If you need to move because [...]

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