Being different is perfectly normal.
Children sometimes feel less comfortable in their own skin. That is perfectly normal. Growing up involves trial and error. Hyperactive behavior, rebelliousness, and insecurity are all part of growing up. But what behavior is normal, and when is there cause for concern? As a parent or caregiver, this can sometimes be difficult to determine.
Talk to others about it. For example, other parents, family members, or the teacher at school. It can be very reassuring to discover that others have the same questions and doubts. And that the behavior you notice turns out to be quite normal during childhood.
Don't be too quick to label someone
It is tempting to pinpoint a cause for your child's behavior. Or to label it, such as ADHD, autism, or high sensitivity. It is important for a child to receive the right help. A label is not always necessary for this. It can also have negative consequences, because it can make the child feel different. Or because those around them will view the child differently. And once you have a label, it is difficult to get rid of it.
Expert assistance
Are you still concerned about your child? Share your concerns with experts in your area. For example, the internal counselor at school, the school social worker, or go to the Meerpunt. At Meerpunt , you Meerpunt drop in without an appointment for parenting advice.
Why is the municipality launching this campaign?
More and more children are being referred to social services for assessment for conditions such as ADHD, autism, or high sensitivity. This is causing waiting lists in youth care to grow longer. And such referrals are not always necessary or justified. With this campaign, we want to help normalize "deviant" behavior, so that not every sign leads to an assessment and youth care remains available for children who really need it.