how to explain to child?

proudworkingmom82

My daughter (she will be 6 in just over a month) has been having behavioral and attitude problems for a long time now.  After exhausting all my ideas and being referred by her pediatrician I am taking her to a psychologist.  She hits herself, screams and throws the biggest tantrums.  Its like she is full of rage and I dont know why.  She can never tell me why she hits herself and acts the way she does but cries and apologizes later.  Anyway now that I am taking her to a psychologist she has to undergo a lot of evaluation and stuff like that.  How do I explain to her what were doing and why? Is simply saying we are talking to somebody about why you hit yourself enough?  

flyingsaucer

It's a doctor who helps you feel better. Just like the pedi helps your body feel better, this doctor helps make your feelings and emotions feel better. (And if you need to go further...) everyone needs help with something. Some kids need help with their school work, other kids need help with head aches or tummy problems, we are gonna work together on your feelings. I wish you the best of luck!

greenbeanqueen

Tell her that it makes you sad when she hits herself because you don't want anyone to hurt her including herself. Tell her that you are taking her to meet someone who is going to help her and listens to her so you can figure out why she does those things. That's a hard situation to be in. I hope you can find some answers.

Mags748

We took DS to a a therapist last year for his anxiety in school (he was 5 and in Kindergarten). I told him that the therapist would help him find out why he got so nervous at school and help him find ways to deal with his anxious feelings. He was able to understand this and actually liked talking to the therapist.

I would tell her you are taking her to a psychologist/therapist (use the word dr. If that is easier to comprehend) so that he/she can help her to figure out why she gets so upset and help her to express he feelings in a more positive way (in kid appropriate terms of course).