Deciding what to do if a child has an emotional or behaviour problem
The following guidelines may help you to decide what to do if you know a child or children with emotional, behaviour or mental health problems.
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If you are responsible for a child as a parent or carer
If you work with children
If you manage a school, home, care centre etc
Parent or carer
Does the child have an emotional or behaviour problem?
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No - allow the child plenty of time to play
Yes - how severe are the problem(s)?
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Slight or Mild |
Is the child under 3?
Between 3 and 14?
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Consider filial play
Consider therapeutic play or play therapy
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Moderate or a number of mild problems |
Over 3 years?
Over 14 years?
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Consider play therapy
Consider counselling - talking therapy
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Severe |
Over 3 years and under 14 |
See your doctor for a referral to a child psychotherapist etc |
How to identify the severity of a problem ( Guidelines)
If you work with children
If you manage a school, home, social services or a centre for children?
If you work in South Africa contact the PTISA Head Office for advice.
Ask PTISA about ways of introducing or extending an emotional support service to supplement academic and behaviour support services. See also professional support services.
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