Children and Trauma
Regression: returning to earlier behaviors that had been outgrown.
Nightmares and night terrors.
Clinging to parents, fear of strangers.
Outbursts and tantrums; irritability.
ìFragileî feelings: hurt easily, quicker than usual to cry.
After exposure to trauma, such as violence, death, accidents, or natural disasters, children are likely to show signs of stress. These reactions are normal and usually will not last long. Whether a child was involved directly, through proximity, through a parentís involvement, or as a second-hand witness via the media, friends or family, they are likely to exhibit some of the following symptoms.
Withdrawal and isolation.
Physical complaints: headaches, stomach aches.
Changes in eating or sleeping behavior.
Bedwetting or thumbsucking.
Excessive fear of darkness, separation or being alone.
- Provide reassurance that the child is safe and you will protect him or her.
- Hold, hug, and touch your child often.
- Explore your childís perceptions of the event. Correct misinterpretations and answer questions.
- Be honest and give accurate information but donít give more information than your child wants. Give information he or she can understand.
- Be more tolerant of unusual behavior.
- Spend extra time with your child at bedtime.
- Help your child to identify, label and express feelings. Let your child know these feelings are normal and that youíll help with them. Model honesty about feelings by describing your own, at a comfortable level for the child.
- Watch for, and correct self-blame by your child. Children tend to blame themselves for all that happens around them. Make sure your child understands that what happened was not his or her fault.
- Allow your child to mourn or grieve over their loss, whether it is a toy, their home, etc.
If symptoms do not decrease in severity over a few weeks, or if your child was exposed to actual or potential violence, loss, or serious injury, consider consulting a mental health professional who works with children with these types of concerns.