Children of primary school age

Children between the ages of 5 and 11 can exhibit behaviour at school and/or at home which is worrying or hard to manage. Difficulties around the regulation of emotions to do with sadness, fears and worries, anger and aggression can impact on making and keeping friends as well as on relationships within the family. External factors such as the birth of new siblings, serious illness within the family, strains on the parental couple, divorce, bereavement and facing transitions can sometimes trigger a change in behaviour or bring emotional distress of a deeper nature to the surface. While it may not be easy for a child of this age to put words to their feelings, a therapist can help them better understand their emotional states through the use of particular toys and drawing and crafts materials.