Getting settled

One of our early referrals was three-year-old Casper (not his real name), a much-loved only child who was experiencing significant difficulties settling in to nursery. Nursery staff found it very difficult to cope with his temper tantrums and screaming. His language skills were delayed, and every day he put himself at risk in the nursery setting, running out of rooms into the kitchen and other off-limits areas in attempts to leave the building. Staff suggested to Casper's mother, Helen, that they seek support from our team.

At an initial meeting to gather background knowledge, Helen recounted the difficulties she was experiencing in managing Casper's behaviour at home. It soon became apparent that responding to his behaviour created great stress for her. Helen was reluctant to take Casper to parks or playgroups for extended periods for fear that he would run off or throw a tantrum. When they were out she had resorted to using a buggy to control his movements. Supermarket visits and bus trips with Casper were particularly distressing, especially as strangers would comment on her inability to manage his behaviour. Sometimes she would resort to giving him food to occupy and pacify him. These incidents only served to reinforce her own feelings of inadequacy as a parent.