Children are incredibly resilient, able to overcome and bounce back from many life challenges. They are not, however, immune to the effects of trauma. Trauma experiences can leave deep, lasting scars on a child, and as parents or educators, it’s important to understand these effects while learning how to help children overcome trauma.
So where do we start? Follow this guide!
Understanding Trauma in Children
Trauma can manifest in various ways, depending on the child’s age, personality, and the nature of the traumatic event. Some common signs of trauma include:
- Emotional Changes: anxiety, depression, or irritability.
- Behavioral Changes: aggression, withdrawal, difficulties in school, or what is referred to as “regressive behaviors,” which could look like bed-wetting or resulting back to younger ages.
- Physical Symptoms: headaches, stomachaches, fatigue.
- Cognitive Impacts: Trouble concentrating, confusion, or memory loss.
Each child’s experience with trauma is unique. As adults, it can be difficult to understand what is really going on with a child. What may seem minor to an adult could be deeply distressing for a child, and vice versa. Therefore, understanding specific ways in which trauma affects a particular child is important before the healing process can begin.
How to Help with Overcoming Trauma
Establishing a Safe Environment
Safety is of the utmost importance when helping a child heal. Creating a safe, secure, and predictable environment helps children feel protected and reduces anxiety.
- Consistency: Try to maintain consistent routines and rules. Predictability helps children feel safe and reassured.
- Comfort: Provide physical comfort, like hugs or holding their hands, if the child is comfortable with it. Physical reassurance can be powerful, especially for younger children.
- Space: Ensure the child has a safe space of their own, where they can go when they are feeling overwhelmed.
Open Communication
Children need to know that it is okay to talk about their feelings and experiences, but they should never be forced to share before they are ready.
- Listening: Encourage the child to express their thoughts. Actively listening to them, and not responding right away, can be helpful for them to process what they have been through.
- Language: Use age-appropriate language with them when discussing their trauma. Be honest, but avoid graphic and unnecessary details.
- Validation: Validate their feelings and reassure them that it is okay to feel angry, sad, hurt, scared, etc.
Providing Emotional Support
Children who have experienced trauma often experience a range of emotions. Providing emotional support is essential for them to fully process.
- Empathy: Show empathy by acknowledging their pain and offering comfort. Let them know that you understand that they are hurting.
- Patience: Healing from trauma takes time. Be patient with the child, and try not to put pressure on them to “get over it”.
- Affection: Offer unconditional love and affection. Reassure them that they are loved, no matter what.
Building Resilience
Helping a child overcome trauma isn’t just about addressing the past. It’s also about preparing them for the future.
- Problem-Solving Skills: Teach skills that empower children to handle challenges confidently.
- Self-Esteem: Foster a sense of self-worth by recognizing and celebrating the child’s strengths and achievements.
- Positive Relationships: Encourage positive relationships with other peers and adults. Healthy relationships are a crucial part of the healing process.
Seeking Professional Help
While all the above strategies can be helpful, professional intervention is often necessary.
- Therapy: Child psychologists or counselors specializing in trauma can provide the necessary tools and coping strategies.
- Support Groups: Peer support groups can be beneficial, as they allow children to connect with others who have experienced similar situations.
- Family Therapy: In some cases, family therapy can be helpful to address dynamics that may be contributing to the child’s trauma.
There are ways to help a child overcome trauma. Seek help from a professional, and schedule a session today!