RAFT

I NEED HELP! (BUT I’m JUST GETTING ON WITH IT)

When your child is acts ‘fine’ or ‘OK’ in situations that you imagine he might have been hurt, scared, sad, embarrassed, then he may be on the raft.  It may seem on the surface that all is well but actually he is really pushing his painful feelings down and out view. 

Sometimes it might seem like he is fine, ok, or cheerfully staying busy. Or he might seem quiet and it’s as if he doesn’t need you.

Children turn to the raft when, for whatever reason, they feel less sure than usual that someone will be able help them with what they need.  If he is feeling less sure he will be seen and heard, it makes sense for him to not show what he needs just get ‘get on with it’.