Being different is perfectly normal.
Children and young people don't always feel the same as others—and that's okay. Growing up is a journey of discovery full of new experiences, in which you learn, try things out, discover what suits you, and move on, step by step. As a parent or caregiver, it can sometimes be difficult to assess what is normal for a particular stage of growing up and when extra attention might be helpful. It is perfectly understandable to have doubts about this.
Talk to others about it. For example, other parents, family, friends, or your child's teacher. It often helps to realize that many parents have the same questions. And it often turns out that what you are seeing is a completely normal step in your child's development—a sign that your child is learning, growing, and building resilience.
Don't be too quick to label someone
It is important that a child receives the right help. A label is not always necessary for this. A label can also have negative consequences, because it can make a child feel different. Or because those around them start to view the child differently. And once you have a label, it is difficult to get rid of it.
Expert assistance
Are you worried 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 behavioral assessments. This is causing waiting lists in youth care to grow longer, meaning that many children have to wait even longer for help. And such referrals are not always necessary or justified. With this campaign, we want to contribute to greater understanding and acceptance of behavior that is different. Behavior that is acceptable, so that it does not automatically lead to an investigation. In this way, we are working together to make youth care available to children and young people who need it most.