What If It’s Grief? Understanding Your Child’s Behavior Through a Different Lens

He throws tantrums over small things. She clings, cries, or shuts down unexpectedly. You’ve tried rewards, consequences, charts—but something still doesn’t sit right. What if your child’s “behavior issues” aren’t about disobedience at all—but grief? In this heart-opening episode of Unlock U with Dr. Shannan Crawford, we welcome Abby Thomas, a trusted mental health provider at Crawford Clinics who specializes in working with children ages 3–11, including those who are neurodivergent (Autism, ADHD). With her deep warmth and Christ-centered compassion, Abby helps parents look beneath the surface of behavior to what their child is really trying to say. Abby reveals how unprocessed grief—whether from divorce, moves, sensory overload, or changes at school—can be silently shaping your child’s emotional world. Rather than defaulting to behavior correction, this episode offers a powerful new way to connect with your child’s heart: by teaching them how to grieve well. If your child has big emotions, challenging behaviors, or struggles to express what they’re feeling—this episode will equip and encourage you to slow down, tune in, and begin healing… together. 💬 For a free consult with Abby: CrawfordClinics.com/contact 🎧 Listen now on Unlock U with Dr. Shannan Crawford—wherever you get your podcasts.   For more content on parenting, subscribe to the Unlock U YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/dNjW2S_VuWE?si=8IKuhdz4eiAxWwIS