A Parent's Guide to Supporting Children's Mental Wellbeing

Children, just like adults, experience stress, anxiety, and other emotional struggles. But unlike adults, they may not always have the words to express what they’re feeling.

That’s where child psychologists come in. They specialise in helping children make sense of their emotions, behaviours, and struggles, while guiding parents along the way.

In this blog, we guide you through what child psychologists in Singapore do, when to seek their help, and what every parent should know about the process to support their child’s mental well-being.

Introduction to TYHO

TYHO provides in-person and online therapy in Singapore. Our platform connects clients to vetted and experienced Psychotherapists, Psychologists, and Counsellors in Singapore. We refer to all our mental health professionals collectively as Therapists, given the overlap in their scopes of practice. A majority of our Therapists are members of recognised bodies such as the Singapore Association for Counselling (SAC) and the Singapore Psychological Society (SPS). If you'd like help with selecting someone suitable, WhatsApp us at +65 9831 0005 or email us at [email protected].

What is Child Psychology and Who are Child Psychologists?

Child psychology refers to a specialised subfield of psychology that focuses on the behaviour, development and mental health of children and adolescents. 

A child psychologist is a psychologist trained to assess, diagnose, and support children facing a range of emotional, behavioural, or developmental challenges. These could include:

• Difficulty managing emotions (eg anger, anxiety, sadness)
• Changes in behaviour (eg aggression, withdrawal, regression)
• Academic or school-related stress
• Trauma, grief, or loss
• Social difficulties or bullying
• Attention, focus, or learning issues
• Family conflict or adjustment to major life changes (eg divorce, relocation)

Child psychologists use evidence-based approaches, such as play therapy, art therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), as well as general talk therapy (adapted to the child’s age and needs).  Child therapists in Singapore help children learn to express themselves and develop healthier coping mechanisms. 

They also work closely with parents or caregivers to offer guidance, reassurance, and strategies to support children's mental wellbeing at home.

When to See a Child Psychologist in Singapore: Signs to Look Out For

Our childhood is our formative period. It’s thus absolutely normal for children to go through many emotional ups and downs.

However, due to this very reason, it can be tricky for parents to identify when it’s something more serious. Here are some signs and situations when it may be time to consider speaking to a child psychologist in Singapore:

1) Sudden or Ongoing Behavioural Changes

• Getting unusually aggressive, withdrawn, or defiant
• Major shifts in eating or sleeping patterns
• Regressing to earlier behaviours or behaviours of younger kids (eg bedwetting, baby talk)

2) Emotional Struggles

• Frequent meltdowns or extreme mood swings
• Intense anxiety or fear (eg about school, being alone, making mistakes)
• Signs of sadness, low motivation, or feeling ‘empty’

3) Struggles at School

• Difficulty concentrating, learning, or keeping up with classes
• Refusing to go to school or finding reasons to avoid going (like stomach aches)
• Unusual and frequent conflicts with teachers or peers

4) Social or Friendship Challenges

• Trouble making or keeping friends
• Avoiding social situations or group activities (eg a classmate’s birthday party or play dates)
• Extreme clinginess or unexplained isolation

5) Coping with Big Life Changes or Trauma

• Parental separation, relocation, loss of a loved one
• Bullying or peer pressure
• Any experience that seems to have shaken their confidence or sense of safety

6) A Parent’s Gut Feeling

Sometimes, even if nothing seems apparently wrong on the outside, your instincts may say otherwise. It’s always wise to trust your instincts, especially as parents.

If your gut says something is ‘off’, or your child seems unlike themselves, talk to them. A child psychologist can also help assess and understand what may be going on, or even just rule out that nothing is.   

What Happens During Child Therapy Sessions: How Exactly Do Child Psychologists Help?

Deciding to take your child to see a psychologist can be daunting. Your mind may be swirling with thoughts like:

• What happens in a session?
• How do I find the right child therapist in Singapore?
• Will my child be able to open up?
• Will they feel comfortable and safe with the child psychologist?
• Will the therapy process be tailored to suit my child?
• Will I be included in sessions?
• Will I be kept informed about what happens during sessions?

If you’ve been wondering about these questions, this section takes you through how child psychologists work and how a typical session flows:

1) Initial Assessment (with Parents)

During the first session, or even the first few sessions, a Singaporean counsellor will take time to conduct an initial assessment. Parents are encouraged to attend these sessions in order to help children feel comfortable and safe in the therapist’s presence.

Child therapists in Singapore may also talk to the parents and child separately during the initial sessions. The initial assessment helps the child psychologist:

• Understand your child’s concerns or symptoms in detail
• Gather school reports, medical history, and behavioural observations
• Explore your child’s developmental, emotional, and social history
• Set therapy goals collaboratively with the family

Sometimes, a child psychologist may also ask parents to fill in a questionnaire or participate in a short interview (not involving the child). Additionally, if required, they may also perform diagnostic tests and evaluations, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder assessments, to diagnose behavioural and neurodevelopmental issues.

2) Building Trust & Establishing Rapport

Trust, comfort and safety are important in all types of therapy, but especially so when it comes to child therapy. This is why a child psychologist will take the time to get to know your child and slowly build a safe space where they feel seen and accepted. 

Here are some ways a good therapist may do that:

• Allowing the child to set the pace of interactions
• Spending time getting to know your child’s likes, dislikes, and personality
• Respecting their boundaries and not forcing disclosure
• Using warmth, consistency, and positive reinforcement to build rapport
• Including toys, art, and other interactive elements in sessions

3) Age-Appropriate Therapy Modalities

Once your child starts feeling safe enough to open up, the child psychologist will introduce age-appropriate activities and approaches during counselling sessions. 

Some modalities and approaches that are commonly used in child therapy include:

a) Play Therapy

Used primarily with younger children, play therapy involves toys, games, drawing, or storytelling to help kids express feelings and experiences they may not yet have the words for.

b) Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a widely used approach in counselling for older children. It helps kids recognise automatic negative thought patterns and replace them with more rational responses. 

c) Behavioural Therapy

Behavioural therapy is a helpful approach for kids struggling with peer interactions, social challenges or other behavioural challenges associated with conditions like ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sessions may include modelling and practising real-life scenarios. 

Child psychologists personalise such activities based on your child’s age, developmental stage and specific needs.

d) Parent Involvement & Guidance

Child therapy is a shared journey that includes parents, caregivers and other close family members.

The involvement of parents, in particular, is a crucial part of child therapy. Below are some ways a child psychologist may ensure your participation. They may:

• Offer feedback on your child’s progress
• Share suggestions for responding to challenging behaviours at home
• Help you understand your child’s emotional needs better
• Support you in managing your own stress as a caregiver

e) Collaborative & Holistic Support (If Needed)

If your child is dealing with challenges involving other areas of life, such as at school, child psychologists may also work with teachers and school counsellors. 

Teachers also play a vital role in your child’s development. Keeping them in the loop can help ensure a more holistic form of support. With your consent, child therapists in Singapore may collaborate with teachers and school authorities to:

• Suggest strategies that can support your child in the classroom
• Help ensure a more nurturing and supportive academic and social environment

Benefits of Seeing a Child Psychologist in Singapore

Therapists in Singapore can help your child:

• Understand and express emotions in healthy ways
• Learn coping skills to manage anxiety, frustration, or low mood
• Improve social skills, communication, and confidence
• Challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts or behaviours
• Work through past experiences or ongoing stressors
• Build emotional resilience, self-esteem and a stronger sense of self
• Strengthen parent-child relationship through guided support
• Navigate life changes like school transitions or family shifts
• Address developmental, behavioural, or learning challenges
• Develop healthier routines, boundaries, and habits

How to Help Your Child Prepare to Meet a Child Therapist in Singapore

Introducing your child to the idea of speaking with a psychologist can feel a little daunting, for you as well as your little one. The goal is to ease any anxiety, encourage open-mindedness, and create a sense of safety around this new experience.

Here are some practical ways to help your child feel more comfortable and ready for their first session with a child psychologist:

1) Avoid overexplaining or using language that might feel intimidating. Be honest and explain it to them in simple terms, depending on your child’s age.

2) Normalise the experience by letting them know that many children and even adults see a counsellor when they need support. If you have personal experience with therapy, share it with your child. This helps reduce shame, stigma and fear around meeting a child psychologist. 

3) Involve them in the process, wherever and however possible (in age-appropriate ways). This can give your child a sense of control over what’s happening and build a sense of familiarity and safety around therapy.

4) Acknowledge any worries and answer any questions that your child may have about meeting a child psychologist. If they express confusion, resistance, or fear, gently validate those feelings without trying to fix them immediately.

Questions to Ask a Child Psychologist (As a Parent)

It’s natural to be concerned about finding the right child psychologist for your kid. Here are some questions you can ask shortlisted child therapists to find the correct fit:

• What age groups and issues do you usually work with?
• How do you build trust with children during the first few sessions?
• How do you handle situations where a child doesn’t open up easily?
• What kind of therapy techniques or approaches do you use?
• Do you tailor your approach to fit each child? If so, how exactly do you do that?
• What can we expect during the first session, and how can I help my child prepare?
• When can I expect to see progress? What signs should I look out for to know if therapy is working?
• How do you handle confidentiality, and what do you share with parents? How involved will I be in the therapy process? 

In addition to these questions, remember to be open with your child psychologist, especially before and during the first session. Inform them about your child’s temperament, preferences and triggers. If your child has any specific concerns about starting therapy, you can share those with the therapist as well. 

Also Read: Difference Between a Therapist and a Psychologist in Singapore

Before we wrap up, we'd also like acknowledge how hard it can be to see one's child struggle with their mental health. In addition to seeking support for them, it can be helpful for parents to explore individual counselling as well as couples counselling to be able to better support their child.