‘We use artwork to help kids express their feelings’

Behavioural Services team brings a play-based approach to help families in Medicine Hat

Story by Kelly Morris

MEDICINE HAT — Being a parent is tough. Some may think parenting would be easier today with easy access to information online and the ability to ask questions and find solutions to any problem or concern. In fact, the abundance of information available to parents these days can be overwhelming and confusing.

So, what is a parent to do when they’re struggling with their child’s behaviours, emotions and habits — or simply want to support them through a tough time?

Child and Youth Development Specialist Asha Peter, and the Behavioural Services team with Children’s Allied Health, assist children under the age of 8 and their parents with family-based, early intervention, skill building and support at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

“It can be really basic day-to-day tasks, but it’s disruptive to the flow in the daily schedule and parents are seeking support on what to do, or to confirm they are doing the right thing,” says Peter.

“Some kids struggle with extreme emotions that present as outbursts or tantrums and parents are looking for support with managing emotions. In addition to addressing challenging behaviours, we receive referral requests to address sleep and bedtime concerns, like, ‘we don’t know what to do when bedtime comes, my child isn’t settling.’

“Another area of focus is offering support to children struggling to cope with parental separation, going back and forth between two homes, or the emotions related to the separation.”

Working with children takes a play-based approach, using artwork and social stories to be more relatable and engaging.

“At Behavioural Services, we use artwork to help kids express their feelings,” says Peter. “When you bring in drawing a picture about how you’re feeling or what made you feel angry or scared, the artwork they draw is just beautiful — and sometimes I don’t see much in the picture, but you ask the kids to talk about the picture, and they have a full story to tell you.”

While Peter is in session with the child, their parents are watching from an observation room so they can see how the session went, what was learned and how they can continue to support their child at home.

“We believe in the family and parents playing a huge part in helping kids learn, so offering parent support and coaching is another big part of what we do.”

Parents are provided with parent-coaching supports and additional resources to help enhance understanding of their child’s behaviours, and to know what’s expected for the age range.

From the very beginning, goals are set — the parent’s goal for their child, and a parenting goal for themselves. The Behavioural team works together with the parent and child to help them achieve their goals.

Children’s Allied Health Behavioural Services at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital can be accessed by self-referral as well as referrals from family physicians, pediatricians, or other allied health disciplines.

“I think every child is special,” adds Peter. “Every child is unique and to see life through their eyes, and to make them feel validated and heard is a meaningful experience – I feel grateful that I have a small part to play in their life.”