6 Signs It Might Be Time for Parents to Seek Support Through Play Therapy

When we think about signs a child may benefit from therapy, we usually focus on their behaviors or emotional shifts. But what about the parents? In child therapy—especially play therapy—we’re not only focused on helping the child heal. We also explore how to support the entire family system.

If you’ve noticed changes not just in your child but in yourself, that might be your nervous system saying: You need support, too.

Parenting is one of the most demanding roles in life—and it was never meant to be done alone. Let’s take a look at some common signs it may be time to reach out for support, not just for your child, but for you as well.

1. Your Own Anxiety Is Increasing

When your child’s emotions feel overwhelming, it’s natural to start feeling anxious yourself. You may find yourself wondering what kind of day you’re going to have—or bracing for the next meltdown.

👉 If you notice you’re constantly on edge, feeling burned out, or emotionally shutting down to just “get through the day,” your nervous system may be operating in a chronic state of stress.

This kind of dysregulation is contagious, especially within families. The good news? So is regulation. Play therapy can help co-regulate both children and caregivers.

2. You’re Avoiding Places or Situations to Prevent Meltdowns

Have you started avoiding everyday activities—like the grocery store, birthday parties, or family outings—because they’ve become too difficult to manage?

Avoidance is a protective response, often rooted in anxiety and fear. While it might work short term, over time, avoidance reinforces anxiety and shrinks both your and your child’s confidence in facing challenges.

Play therapy supports both children and parents in expanding their window of tolerance, so daily life becomes more manageable—and even enjoyable—again.

3. Everyday Routines Feel Like Constant Battles

Mornings are chaotic. You’re waiting for a call from the school. Dinner feels like walking on eggshells. Bedtime is an emotional marathon.

Sound familiar?

Every family has tough days, but if every day feels like a struggle, it’s a sign that more support might be needed. When daily functioning becomes consistently overwhelming, play therapy can help families move out of survival mode and into more regulated, connected rhythms.

4. You’ve Tried Everything—and Nothing Seems to Work

Many parents come in saying: “I’ve read all the books. I’ve tried the strategies. I’ve listened to the podcasts. Nothing’s helping.”

Sometimes, what’s missing isn’t more information—it’s a deeper understanding of your child’s unique experience.

Play therapy helps us decode a child’s behaviors, uncover what’s really going on beneath the surface, and tailor support strategies to your specific child’s needs—not a one-size-fits-all method.

5. You’re Feeling Disconnected From Yourself and Doubting Your Parenting Intuition

Parenting through intense emotions and behaviors can wear down your confidence. Over time, it’s easy to lose trust in your own instincts, question your decisions, and feel unsure of what to try next.

One of the most powerful aspects of play therapy is that it restores confidence—not just in kids, but in parents, too. With the right support, you can reconnect to your intuition and feel grounded in your parenting again.

6. You Know Something’s Off, But You Can’t Figure Out What

Maybe your child’s behavior or moods have changed. Maybe the energy in your home just feels different. You can sense something is off—but you don’t know exactly what.

That’s where play therapy can be transformational. Through play, children express what they often can’t say in words. Therapists are trained to observe these patterns and themes, helping families uncover the root causes of distress and make meaningful, long-term changes.

🌱 Ready to Take That First Step?

If any of this resonated with you, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Play therapy can be a soft place for both you and your child to land. It can bring clarity, calm, and connection back into your home.

📞 Click the button below to schedule a free 15-minute introductory call. Let’s talk about how play therapy can support both your child and you.