Supporting Your Child After a Traumatic Event
Supporting your child through a traumatic event can be challenging. While you may wish to shield your child from such events, sometimes they can occur unexpectedly, such as accidents, acts of violence, natural disasters, or the loss of a loved one.
Here are some supportive strategies to help guide you:
Fostering a Sense of Safety Children may feel less secure after a traumatic event and may need extra comfort and reassurance. Let them know that you, along with others like their teachers, are dedicated to keeping them safe.
Creating Calm Children often mirror the calmness of their caregivers. Engage in activities that soothe both you and your child, such as cuddling, playing a favorite game, being outdoors in nature or spending time with a pet.
Communicating About the Event Clearly and Honestly When discussing the traumatic event, keep your explanations brief and honest, using age-appropriate terms. Be honest but AVOID overwhelming details. Allow your child to ask questions and express their feelings. They need to hear about the event from a trusted adult, even if you don’t have all the answers. Listen actively and validate their emotions, showing them that their feelings are normal and understood.
Guidance on Discussing Trauma
Limit details and be honest about what you don’t know.
Advise against seeking information on social media, as it can be misleading and overwhelming.
Normalize difficult emotions like anger, guilt, and sadness, and acknowledge that it's okay to feel numb sometimes.
If you have concerns about your or your child’s well-being, consult your GP and reach out to their school.
Set Boundaries with Information Guide your child away from potentially distressing information on social media or news sources. Reassure them that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, including sadness or numbness. Let them know that they are not alone in their feelings.
Maintain Routines Stick to regular routines as much as possible. Consistent mealtimes, bedtimes, and daily activities provide a sense of normalcy and stability, which can be comforting during times of uncertainty.
Staying Connected Ensure that you and your child maintain connections with loved ones, friends, and community groups. Encourage play and enjoyment, and seek support if needed.
Nurturing Hope Focus on maintaining hope. Although things may seem overwhelming now, they will improve. Look forward to future activities or goals, no matter how small.
Model Self-Care Take care of your well-being, as this will enable you to better support your child. Remember the importance of self-care—prioritize activities that help you manage stress and maintain emotional balance.
Seek Professional Support if Needed If you have concerns about your child’s emotional well-being, consider reaching out to a mental health professional. They can offer additional guidance and support tailored to your child’s needs.
JACKIE ARCHER THERAPY
If you feel you need specialized support for you or your child, you can reach out to Jackie by clicking the button below.
Comments