Talking to Your Child After a Trauma

Childhood trauma occurs when a young person experiences an event that is emotionally distressing or threatening. These experiences can lead to feelings of sadness, grief, and anxiety. As a parent or caregiver, it’s important to talk with your child – especially after difficult life events – to help them feel safe and supported.

“Not all stress becomes toxic stress. Children have the capacity for enormous resilience, and with the supportive actions of parents and caregivers, children can bounce back and even thrive after a traumatic experience,” states Emily Moody, LCSW-C, Director of Clinical Services at For All Seasons.

As summer begins, take the opportunity to pay closer attention to your child, especially if he or she is showing signs of distress or withdrawal.

How to tell if your child has experienced trauma

• Watch for signs of stress, fear, or anxiety
• Watch to see if your child has trouble sleeping, concentrating, eating, managing their mood, or attending school – signs of stress, fear, and anxiety

What steps to take in addressing your child’s concerns

• Stay calm and encourage them to put their feelings into words or express them through art
• Check in often to see how your child is doing
• Provide extra time, attention, and patience, even an extra hug
• When you’re with them, give them your full attention
• Listen to their thoughts without dismissing them
• Remind them of your love and your belief that they can do hard things

How to make them feel safe

• Kids need stability and calm at home
• Following routines and creating structure helps them know what to expect and gives them a sense of safety and helps their brains and bodies stay regulated, and begin to heal
• Empower your children to help you set the summer schedule, which gives them a feeling of control over their days and transitions
• Look for community resources if you need them, such as food banks or summer meal programs, to ensure children have access to nutritious food
• Be aware of the potential for summer blues and implement strategies to combat loneliness and social isolation, like playdates or even video calls with school friends
• Promote family connection through activities like regular dinners, movie nights, or games together
• Encourage physical activity, and/or sensory breaks every two hours

How parents can handle the stress of a child’s trauma

• Take care of yourself
• Build in time for calm moments, even quick breaks
• Take five minutes to step out of the room
• Take deep breaths or a walk
• Call a trusted friend
• Listen to what your body needs as much as you’re able
• Eat nutritious meals, and prioritize a healthy sleep schedule

How to seek help for your child or yourself when feeling overwhelmed

• Reach out for professional support

For All Seasons provides the highest quality mental health and victim services to children, adults, and families across the Mid-Shore and throughout the state of Maryland. Services are offered in both English and Spanish and include therapy, psychiatry, victim advocacy, 24-hour crisis hotlines, outreach, and community education. For information about For All Seasons walk-in hours, contact For All Seasons at 410-822-1018 or visit ForAllSeasonsinc.org.