Determining what type of psychological or emotional issues afflict a child is a challenging task, according to "Child Psychology: A Contemporary View Point" by Ross D. Parke and Mary Gauvain. Making a clear determination is complicated by the difficulty in placing the child's conduct and behavior into a broader context. Understanding this dilemma, keeping a journal of a child's psychological and emotional behavior creates a meaningful tool in identifying that child's underlying issues. Targeting these psychological and emotional problems is the foundation upon which a treatment plan is built.
Step 1
Select a computer or obtain a notebook to use as the journal. Make certain you use a computer or notebook that the child in question cannot access.
Step 2
Make journal entries daily. Even if you feel that nothing significant happened during a particular day, something may occur that represents an important matter to a mental health care professional.
Step 3
Include observations on what your child physically does during the course of a particular day. For example, if the child plays soccer with friends, make note of this fact.
Step 4
Generally describe your impression of your child's mood each day. Cite specific examples supporting your evaluation of her mood.
Step 5
Note statements made by your child during the course of a given day that seem negative, pessimistic or overly-optimistic. Include statements that do not seem to fit either with your child's activities and conduct or run counter to his outward emotional appearance.
Step 6
Insert any relevant comments or remarks made by another person regarding your child's conduct, behavior or statements during the course of the day. Make a clear notation that these represent the observations of other people and not yourself.
Tips and Warnings
- Maintain contact with your child's therapist as you keep the journal. Likewise, keep the therapist updated on issues as they arise through the journaling process.
Things You'll Need
- Journal
References
- "Child Psychology: A Contemporary View Point"; Ross D. Parke & Mary Gauvain; 2008
- "Freeing Your Child from Anxiety: Powerful, Practical Solutions to Overcome Your Child's Fears, Worries, and Phobias"; Tamar Ellsas Chansky; 2004
- "Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence"; David R. Shaffer & Katherine Kipp; 2006
