FAQ

Questions about common challenges in children

Opposition VS Oppositional Disorder

I believe my child probably has an oppositional disorder. Is there a difference between a child who is oppositional and a child who has an oppositional disorder?

It’s important to understand that all behaviors can be placed on a spectrum. On one side of the spectrum, there’s the child who opposes in a healthy way from time to time. This opposition is useful for distinguishing themselves from adults and forging their own identity. At the other end of the spectrum, we find the psychiatric term that is oppositional disorder. The child with this diagnosis systematically opposes the vast majority of people in their life and in most contexts. Thus, the intensity and frequency of oppositional behaviors in a child with the disorder will be light years away from the healthy opposition of the vast majority of children. It’s worth noting that the prevalence of oppositional disorder according to various studies is between 2% and 16% of the population. It is therefore relatively rare to encounter children with a true oppositional disorder. To learn tips and intervention strategies for Oppositional Disorder or to learn how our services can help you, consult the links below

ADHD VS Medication

My 11-year-old son has a lot of energy and can’t sit still. Concentration is difficult in class and he disturbs his friends in class when he’s finished his work. My family and his school staff suggest investigating ADHD so he can get medication. Should I go ahead?

It’s advisable to first speak with your family doctor to get their opinion. After that, before starting medication, it’s advisable to investigate areas of the child’s life such as their diet, sleep habits, screen exposure, etc., to try to make changes that could reduce ADHD-like symptoms. Note that a child or adult can show one or even a series of symptoms without necessarily having the pathology. Thus, a child can display several ADHD-related symptoms without actually having it. To learn tips and intervention strategies for ADHD or to learn how our services can help you, consult the links below.

Sleep Problems VS Melatonin

My 5-year-old child has sleep problems (naps, frequent night wakings, difficult bedtimes). Should I try a natural supplement like melatonin to help him?

It’s important to understand that melatonin doesn’t act as a sleeping pill. Melatonin is naturally secreted by the pineal gland when night begins to fall. This hormone signals the entire body that it’s now time to reduce our activity level. It’s important to keep in mind that giving melatonin to your child is not trivial. The list of harmful effects is long and Health Canada issues several warnings about its use in children and adolescents. Starting to give melatonin to your child should never be a decision taken lightly. Before considering an option like melatonin, it’s important to carefully examine the child’s activities before bedtime, their lifestyle, diet, schedules, and needs. Several other less harmful alternatives exist.

*https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada/safety-reviews/summary-safety-review-melatonin-acetyl-methoxytryptamine-review-safety-melatonin-children-adolescents.html

Difference between stress and anxiety?

My 5-year-old child has sleep problems (naps, frequent night wakings, difficult bedtimes). Should I try a natural supplement like melatonin to help him?

Stress is a normal and vital reaction of the body when subjected to a stressful environment. Stress should subside shortly after the “danger” has passed. When it doesn’t, that’s when there’s a challenge. Anxiety, on the other hand, refers to the action of anticipating and exaggeratedly distorting difficulties to come. A person experiencing anxiety may even create or imagine threats or difficulties when there would be no reason to have any. Thus, if after the event in question, the symptoms don’t disappear within a normal period of time, we’re truly talking about anxiety and not stress. To learn tips and intervention strategies for anxiety or to learn how our services can help you, consult the links below:

Frequent Tantrums

Does my child have tantrums too often: is this normal?

Yes — and no.
All children experience emotional storms; tantrums represent an emotional release valve. One, two, three tantrums a day, yes that’s normal. Five, seven, nine, no, that’s not normal. A tantrum after a long day or week of activity, yes, that’s normal. A tantrum every time the child is told no or every time they experience frustration, no that’s not normal.
When tantrums are frequent, intense, or last a long time, it’s often a sign that your child’s nervous system is overwhelmed and/or that one or more elements of their environment don’t suit their needs.
Tantrums are not manipulation: they are messages.
Fatigue, frustration, anxiety, sensory overload… there’s always a reason.
With the right tools, we can greatly reduce their frequency.

Age to Consult

At what age should we consult for a child?

As soon as you feel it’s overwhelming.
There is no minimum age to ask for help. The earlier the support begins, the more effective it is.
Difficult sleep, repeated tantrums, opposition, anxiety, challenges at school: these are all good times to consult.
Waiting for it to “pass on its own” often leads to more exhaustion.

Sleep and Behavior

Does sleep really influence behavior?

Absolutely. Lack of sleep increases:

impulsivity
anxiety
aggression
concentration difficulties
tantrums

For many children, improving sleep is the first major lever for change. A rested child has a brain more available to learn and cooperate.

Child Opposition

My child is oppositional. What can I do?

Opposition is rarely voluntary. It often appears when the child feels:

powerless
misunderstood
tired
overloaded

Punishing without understanding maintains the problem. We work instead on:

the relationship
clarity of expectations
structure
emotional regulation

And above all: we help the child regain a sense of competence.

ADHD and ASD

Do you work with children with ADHD or ASD?

Yes. I regularly support children living with:

ADHD
ASD
emotional difficulties
sensory issues
developmental delays

Always with a human, concrete approach adapted to each family. There is no one-size-fits-all solution — each child is different.

Parental Support

Do you offer parental support?

Yes — and it’s at the heart of my approach.
A child progresses much better when their parents are supported, equipped, and reassured.
I work as much with the child as with the parents, because daily life happens at home.

Parental Burnout

Is it normal to feel exhausted as a parent?

Yes. And you are not alone. Parents of children with special needs often experience:

chronic fatigue
doubt
mental overload
feeling of isolation

Asking for help is not a failure. It’s an act of responsibility towards your family.

Services in Quebec

Do you offer services throughout Quebec?

Yes.
La Clinique de l’Enfant supports families throughout Quebec, in person or remotely, particularly in Beauce, Chaudière-Appalaches and the greater Quebec City area.
Meetings can be done online according to your needs.

Timeline for Improvement

How long does it take to see improvements?

It depends on each situation.
Some families see changes quickly, sometimes within the first few weeks. For others, the work is more gradual.
The important thing is to move forward one step at a time, with consistency.

Child Aggression

My child is aggressive. Is this concerning?

Aggression is often a signal of distress; it should not be taken lightly. It is important to take action as soon as you realize that your child is more aggressive than average.
It appears when the child does not yet have the tools to express what they are experiencing differently.
With good support, we can help the child develop more appropriate strategies.

Daycares and CPEs

Do you also work with daycares and CPEs?

Yes. And the good news is that, being an accredited trainer recognized by Emploi Québec, my services are subsidizable up to 50%!!! I also offer training for:

CPEs
Private daycares
Childcare services
Educators, etc.

on behavior management, sleep, emotions, child development, and burnout prevention.