You should worry as a parent when your child cries wildly, hits out, or pulls away from people. But how do you know what’s normal for their age and what could mean they are having more serious emotional problems?
What’s Normal? Understanding Age-Appropriate Behaviour
Every kid has temper tantrums. But how often, how strong, and what causes those intense moments are important.
Toddlers (ages 1 to 3):
Normal: temper tantrums during changes, unwillingness to share, and neediness
Because of a small vocabulary and growing freedom
Preschoolers (4–5 years old):
Normal: occasionally temper fits, fears (dark, strangers), and pushing the limits
Why: learning to control your emotions and having too much to imagine
Kids in school (6–12 years old): Normal: mood swings, stress over chores, and fights with friends
Why: More stress at school and in social situations
Tips: If emotional breakdowns last only a short time and are then followed by normal behavior, it’s likely that the person is expressing their emotions in a healthy way.
What Isn’t Right? When to Pay Attention
Some actions may seem like “just a phase,” but they could be signs that your child is having more serious emotional problems.
Here are some things that might need help from a child counsellor
1. Temper tantrums that don’t go away with age
If your 7- or 9-year-old is still having temper tantrums where they scream, hit, or hurt themselves, this isn’t normal and could be a sign of unresolved anger, anxiety, or trauma.
2. Withdrawal or mood changes all of a sudden
Has your normally active child become quiet or lost interest in things they used to love? This could be a sign that you are depressed or anxious.
3. A lot of fighting
Aggression toward siblings, friends, or even adults that goes beyond normal boundary-testing could be a sign of not being able to control your emotions.
4. Having trouble getting used to changes in your life
Children can have a hard time after a divorce, a transfer, or a death in the family. Therapy can help them deal with those feelings in a healthy way.
What child counseling can do to help
At Mindsight Clinic, our trained staff uses treatment methods that are right for each age, such as
🔹 Games as therapy
🔹 Counselling for behavior
🔹 Art therapy as therapy
Our team of child psychologists in Mumbai gives kids a safe place to talk about and understand their thoughts without fear of being judged.
Final Words for Parents
Every child is different—but as a parent, your intuition is powerful. If something feels off, don’t wait for things to escalate. Child counselling can help uncover what your child is feeling and offer tools to manage it early.
Early support leads to lifelong emotional strength.
