Episode 124: What Happens When Needs Go Unmet in Children?

Many parents tell me they’re waiting.

Waiting for things to settle.
Waiting for their child to grow out of it.
Waiting for the “right time” to get support.

In this episode of Parent Like a Psychologist, we talk about what actually happens when a child’s emotional, behavioural, or developmental needs go unmet, and why waiting often makes things harder, not easier.

When kids’ needs aren’t met, problems don’t stay the same

One of the biggest misunderstandings parents have is thinking challenges will pause while they wait. They don’t.

Unmet needs tend to snowball.

A child who struggles with emotional regulation when they’re young might start with tantrums or meltdowns. Over time, those same unmet needs can show up as:

• Bigger emotional outbursts

• Anxiety or chronic stress

• Friendship difficulties

• Learning disruptions at school

• School refusal or avoidance

What starts as one challenge often turns into two or three, not because parents have done anything wrong, but because the original need was never fully supported.

Why early support matters

Getting help early isn’t about panic or overreacting. It’s about prevention.

When parents understand what their child needs and how to meet those needs, they can:

• Reduce stress and anxiety before it escalates

• Build emotional regulation skills earlier

• Protect learning, friendships, and confidence

• Lower their own stress and emotional load

Early support often stops small struggles from becoming much bigger ones.

Getting help is not a failure

Many parents worry they’ll be judged, told they’re imagining things, or that they’re wasting a professional’s time.

That simply isn’t true.

Seeking support is thoughtful, protective, and a sign of a deeply engaged parent. It’s also about easing your load before things feel overwhelming.

A question to reflect on

Ask yourself:

• Have the challenges stayed the same, or changed over time?

• Are they showing up in new or more complex ways?

• Is waiting making things feel heavier for you?

Challenges don’t pause while we wait. They usually reshape themselves.

Ready to take the next step?

If you’ve been hoping things will improve on their own, or you want to stop challenges from snowballing, this is your sign to reach out.

My programs are available anytime, so you can start when you’re ready. You don’t have to do this alone.

👉 Listen to the episode now
👉 Explore my parent programs for practical, supportive guidance

Early support is not dramatic. It’s calm, protective, and powerful.

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