All parents want to protect their children, but some traumas can leave parents feeling helpless as their children experience fear, confusion, and isolation. By understanding trauma, parents can help their children emerge from their shells and cope after facing adversity.
First, parents must recognize that trauma comes in many varieties. Neglect, bullying, sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, natural disasters, and violent attacks can all be examples of traumas, and all types can take a toll on children of any age. Most parents sometimes feel helpless to comfort their children during trauma. This is perfectly normal.
To break through a child's shell, parents should focus on their own moods. Children pick up on moods easily, so parents should take care to exemplify the attitudes they would like to see in their children.
Just like adults, children react to trauma in different ways. Fatigue, anger, shock, depression, and guilt are all normal reactions. During any such reaction in children, try to keep a normal routine. Interrupting traditions such as mealtimes and stories before bed can make children feel even more displaced. Finally, use open communication. If children see that the adults in their life are willing to talk about how they're feeling, the children may open up as well—eventually, if not right away.
About the Author
Concentrating on trauma, ADHD, and other mental health conditions, Dr. Kimberly Frank works with children and adolescents suffering from mental disorders.
First, parents must recognize that trauma comes in many varieties. Neglect, bullying, sexual abuse, the death of a loved one, natural disasters, and violent attacks can all be examples of traumas, and all types can take a toll on children of any age. Most parents sometimes feel helpless to comfort their children during trauma. This is perfectly normal.
To break through a child's shell, parents should focus on their own moods. Children pick up on moods easily, so parents should take care to exemplify the attitudes they would like to see in their children.
Just like adults, children react to trauma in different ways. Fatigue, anger, shock, depression, and guilt are all normal reactions. During any such reaction in children, try to keep a normal routine. Interrupting traditions such as mealtimes and stories before bed can make children feel even more displaced. Finally, use open communication. If children see that the adults in their life are willing to talk about how they're feeling, the children may open up as well—eventually, if not right away.
About the Author
Concentrating on trauma, ADHD, and other mental health conditions, Dr. Kimberly Frank works with children and adolescents suffering from mental disorders.
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