As parents, all we want for our children is for them to fit in whether it’s socially, academically or both. We send them into the world with the hopes that not only will they find their place, but that they will be successful once they have found it.
It isn’t always easy. Every child and every situation is uniquely different. You may begin to notice some behaviors that are disruptive or unusual at home that eventually begin to show up at school. You might start to see a slip in academic performance or receive updates from their teacher regarding their inability to focus. Any time our kids start to stand out from the crowd in a negative way, our protective instincts kick in and we will do anything in our power to make it right.
Maybe you’ve already approached your child’s teacher but aren’t able to get a clear handle on the situation. Maybe you’ve taken it farther and have contacted the school counselor and still don’t have the answers you need. All you know is, your child is struggling and they need help. It’s up to you to find it.
This is where Dr. Christine Fitzgerald can step in and be an amazing and supportive resource for you. She is a psychologist on staff at Riverview Counseling Services who can help you navigate the tricky terrain of school dynamics. She is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor and has over fifteen years of field experience as a school psychologist. She has worked with kids of all ages and grade levels and brings a wealth of experience from her degrees, a doctorate in psychology as well as masters degrees in education and sociology, and her own personal experience as a parent wanting her own children to succeed.
Dr. Fitzgerald understands the balance between what schools can offer and taking it a step beyond that if necessary. In many cases, having her as mediator between parents and school faculty gets resolution more quickly and efficiently than a parent alone. With her understanding of common diagnoses for children as well as what a school can and cannot do in terms of services, she will help both parties find a way to a common ground. If necessary, she can also provide psychological assessments to get you the information you need to help your child.
To find out more about how Dr. Fitzgerald can help you and your child, please contact Cheryl Denz at 630/ 587-3777 x103.
Written by Diana DeVaul, MSW and Parent