Understanding What’s Normal (and What’s Not)

When you’re raising a child, it can be difficult to know what is normal and what is not. It can be a very fuzzy line, and many unusual behaviors can come and go quickly.

Is there a specific length of time that should concern you? Or is it more related to the severity of the behavior?

Trusting Your Gut Instinct

One of the best indicators of when to seek help is if you feel in your gut that something may be wrong. Even if you can’t pinpoint exactly what it is that’s making you uncomfortable, comparing your child’s behavior to that of peers or siblings may help you distinguish what is typical from what is atypical.

Feedback from Others Can Be Valuable

Sometimes teachers or other family members may recognize concerning behaviors and bring them up to you. This can understandably be hurtful and difficult to hear, but if you trust the person who brings it up, it may be worth paying attention.

You might not choose to act right away, but it’s often difficult to recognize what we aren’t familiar with. Also, consider that it may have taken some courage for that individual to speak up—they may have something important to say.

Recognizing When Your Behavior Is Impacted

All children are different, but if you find yourself significantly adjusting your behavior to avoid potential meltdowns, it may be time to seek help.

This isn’t about small adjustments like avoiding outings during nap time. But if your child will only eat one very specific type of food and you’re driving through Wendy’s daily, or if you’re tiptoeing around the house to avoid placing any demands on them—these are signs that early support may help.

Getting help sooner can make your child more adaptable, and in turn, make your life easier.

How Professional Support Can Help

I offer Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) to children and their parents. This is a behavioral parent-coaching model that helps:

Strengthen the parent-child relationship
Establish consistent and effective discipline
Support young children in managing strong emotions

Working with a specialist who understands young children can help parents gain clarity, understand what their children need, and be guided toward the right services.

FAQs

How do I know if my child’s behavior is concerning?

If your gut is telling you something feels off, or if you’re constantly adjusting your life to avoid meltdowns, these can be indicators that help may be needed.

Should I listen to feedback from teachers or relatives?

Yes—if the person is someone you trust, it’s worth considering their observations. They may notice things that are hard for you to see from up close.

What is Parent-Child Interaction Therapy?

PCIT is a type of behavioral therapy that involves coaching parents in real-time interactions with their children. It focuses on strengthening relationships and improving behavior management.

When should I seek help?

You don’t need to wait until things get worse. Early support can benefit both you and your child, especially if behaviors are affecting everyday life.

Conclusion

Raising a child comes with challenges, and it’s not always easy to know when to seek help. Trust your instincts, listen to those you trust, and pay attention to how your child’s behavior affects your day-to-day life.

Seeking support doesn’t mean something is “wrong”—it means you’re ready to give your child (and yourself) the tools to thrive. Working with a child specialist can make a world of difference, helping you build a healthier, happier home environment.

Need an Autism Evaluation?

Dr. Jessica Myszak has over 10 years of experience performing psychological evaluations with children and adults. She offers both in-person and telehealth evaluations. In addition to seeing clients on the Chicago North Shore, she can work with families who reside in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin! If you want to learn more about potentially working with her, you can contact her to start the process.