Child Therapy in Middle Tennessee

08/26/2025

Do any of these behaviors sound familiar?
1. Excessive reassurance-seeking: asking the same question over and over
2. Difficulty making decisions- this can pop up even over small things because from the child’s standpoint, making the “wrong” choice feels scary
3. Over-controlling play: I refer to this as the child is the director. They feel this need for peers or siblings to play by their rules only (which really it’s more about keeping the game predictable as opposed to being a controlling person)
4. “What if” spirals- stuck on hypothetical disasters, which reinforces a feeling of helplessness
5. Over- apologizing: saying “sorry”constantly to avoid conflict or disapproval
6. Hypervigilance with rules: correcting, tattling, or melting down when someone is not following rules

These behaviors often indicate some level of anxiety going on. And when ADHD is a part of the picture too? These behaviors can look like defiance or bossiness, when really it’s anxiety that’s trying to take control.

Check out comments for some approaches you can try.

04/10/2025

Love this so much!

01/25/2025

Kids of all ages seem to gravitate to the Lego mini figures more than anything else in my office.

01/21/2025

As a parent and a therapist, I have found it helps me to consider these points to keep me grounded and to help me take a step back. Often when I assume right away a child is doing something purposely (or “just to make me mad”), I then become less empathetic and less likely to help a child figure out how to navigate their heavy, complex emotions. And quite frankly, the complexity of our emotions can be tricky even for adults to understand. I’m curious what your thoughts are. And are there other points or reminders that help you?

06/04/2024

When your frustration is getting the best of you, keep this in mind. There are no bad children. ❤️(credit: GoZen:)

02/22/2024

I love these ideas! I would add to this that less talking is best when a child is unraveling. Sometimes it’s not what you say that can help, but how you are doing in these moments that can most help you kids. They are borrowing from your energy.

What else would you add?

These are great "calm down" alternatives to share with staff and parents!