Behavior Therapy for Boys: A Critical Examination

Behavioral Therapy for Boys: A Consideration

The question that has occupied my mind is: "Should we additionally send our son to behavioral therapy?" I would like to share this consideration with you and hear your opinion at the end. I'm curious to read your response, which you can leave in the comments.

Introduction

In my practical work, I have noticed that the topic of behavioral therapy is often associated with boys. This does not mean that girls are not affected; rather, in my experience, it seems to concern boys more frequently. Gerald Hüther, a renowned brain researcher, mentions that boys are often perceived as the constitutionally weaker gender. However, I can only report what I have experienced so far.

The First Experiences of a Child

Even in the womb, the child begins to gather experiences. It has a brain and perceives its surroundings, even though it cannot move. The first perceptions include the mother’s heartbeat or the melodies of a music box. These early experiences shape the feelings of security and safety that are crucial for further development.

Growing in the Womb

In the womb, the child grows, nourished through the placenta. It has experiences that prompt it to move and perceive the world around it. The unborn child is capable of forming neural connections that will later allow it to develop fine motor skills. It learns to guide its thumb to its mouth and experiences the satisfaction of sucking.

Birth and New Challenges

After birth, the child faces a tremendous adjustment. The security of the womb is gone, and the world is cold and bright. However, the closeness to the mother, her heartbeat, and sucking at her breast help the child navigate this new environment. It grows and continues to develop by exploring its surroundings and testing its own abilities.

The Role of Upbringing

Upbringing plays a crucial role in a child's development. Often, however, the individual needs of the child are overlooked. Instead, children face expectations that they cannot meet and must adapt to fit into a predetermined mold.

The Challenge in School

This becomes particularly evident in school. Children must learn skills that they may not yet possess. This often concerns fine motor skills, such as how to hold a pencil. Children often do not have the opportunity to see how their parents hold a pencil, as many today primarily use keyboards.

When a child struggles to concentrate in school, it is quickly concluded that support is needed. Instead of adapting learning to the child's interests, the focus is on changing the child's behavior. Parents are often asked to take measures to "get the child back on track."

Differences Among Children

Each child brings its own challenges. While one child may struggle to sit still, another child may face emotional difficulties due to family circumstances, such as a divorce. These experiences shape development and the ability to adapt to new environments.

Therapy

In therapy, I often encounter children who struggle with stress and inner restlessness. Many attempt to engage in the exercises but cannot let go internally. The response from adults is often to diagnose and provide support in the form of therapies or medications.

The Consequences of Labeling

When a child receives a diagnosis of a "disorder," this often leads to a negative self-image. The child feels like a flower that does not bloom. Instead of being encouraged, it learns that it does not fit into the world. However, therapy should help the child recognize its strengths and build confidence in its abilities.

Positive Experiences Through Creative Therapies

Joy in therapy can motivate children and help them exceed their own expectations. In a creative environment, they learn that challenges are surmountable. Here, they can explore their interests and celebrate successes, which strengthens their self-esteem.

The Influence on School

These positive experiences can also impact academic performance. Children who experience success in therapy develop a sense of belonging and are better equipped to cope with difficulties.

Conclusion

The benefits of behavioral therapy are not straightforward; they depend heavily on the individual situation of the child. It is important to consider the strengths and needs of each child and not to force them into a predetermined schema.

Final Thoughts

Before I ask you whether we should send our son to behavioral therapy, I would like to share a metaphor: Just because penguins are not good flyers, other birds do not send them to therapy against their will. This brings us back to the original question: "Should we additionally send our son to behavioral therapy?"

I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments.