Malik Thomas was just 11 when his struggles became overwhelming. At school, he was getting into fights—six or more in a year—and his grades were slipping fast. At home, the situation was tense. His parents, who had separated, couldn’t communicate without shouting matches. Co-parenting wasn’t just difficult—it felt impossible.
That’s when the Thomas family connected with The Children’s Cabinet. Over the course of two years, a dedicated counselor worked with Malik and both of his parents. Malik began to understand how to pause, reflect, and respond to his emotions in a healthier way. He learned practical coping skills and tools for self-regulation. With time and support, the results showed: he stayed out of fights completely last year and brought up his grades across the board.
Malik’s parents had their own transformation. Early counseling sessions ended in shouting and storming out. His father even admitted he didn’t believe therapy would help. But with consistency, patience, and support, things started to change. They learned how to communicate more effectively, manage disagreements, and focus on being present for their son.
By the end of their sessions, Malik’s father—once a skeptic—shared how deeply counseling had changed not just his relationship with his son, but also with his ex-partner. The two parents now co-parent with respect and purpose, and Malik benefits from the stability they’ve worked hard to create.
The Thomas family still faces everyday challenges, but they do it with new tools, mutual understanding, and a shared commitment to their son’s well-being.
