As parents, we want our children to be happy and well-adjusted. Whether parents call on their own or are referred by their pediatrician, many wonder, "Am I doing the right things as a parent?" They may be trying to figure out the best way to prepare for or respond to life changes like divorce, death in the family, moving to a new home, the birth of a new sibling, or unusual family crisis. Some parents have a child with medical problems and need advice about helping their child with anxiety. Managing preschool adjustment problems, tantrums, sibling rivalry, eating or toileting problems are also reasons parents seek the help of a child psychologist.

A parent recently said to me, "Three-year-olds don't need therapy." Therapy is much different with the toddler crowd; they do not sit and talk like adults. Sometimes I work with both the child and the parent together. Other times, I meet the child with the parent(s), then continue meeting only with the parent(s). Young children immensely enjoy play therapy by themselves. Although I maintain a close association with their parents, toddlers enjoy this time to express thoughts and feelings in play, talking, movement and sometimes song and dance. They like it so much, they might cry when their "turn" is over, or, they leave with a smile, asking their parent(s), "When can we come back?"