5 Tips for Helping Children Cope with Early Childhood Trauma

I previously published a blog on trauma in children on Psychology Today.  Common forms of trauma include physical and sexual abuse, witnessing domestic and community violence, being separated from family members, and neglect.  According to the US Dept of Health and Human services (2013), child neglect is the most common trauma experienced by children.  Furthermore, children in the age group of birth to 1 year had the highest rate of victimization at 21.2 per 1,000 children ( DHHS, 2013) In regards to ethnicity, the most confirmed cases by CPS are among Whites (43.9%) followed by African-Americans (21.5 percent) and Hispanic Americans (22.1 percent).

Signs of Trauma in Young Children

Children’s reactions to trauma vary at different ages. Some of the common reactions of children are listed on the next page. If any of the behaviors or symptoms don’t improve or go away over time, it is important to seek professional help. Possible reactions to trauma may include:

• Fear of being separated from parent

• More clinging and dependent behaviors

• More aggressive behaviors

• More withdrawn behaviors showing little emotion

• Aimless motion, disorganized behaviors, and or/freezing

• Unable to comfort self

• Difficulty falling asleep, night waking

• May reenact scene in play

• Problems with toileting (bedwetting, soiling)

• Thumb sucking

• Loss of language skills and acquired language

• Memory problems 

Tips for Helping Children Cope with Trauma

1. Avoid blaming the child or displaying your anger: It is important to remain calm and use a calm voice with talking with children about their traumatic experience. 
2. Reassure the child that they will be safe: Many children fear for safety after experiencing trauma. It is important to let the child know that you will be present to support them. This may involve letting the child be aware of your whereabouts at all times.
3. Don’t minimize the child’s feelings: Avoid telling the child to “Stop being a baby, don’t cry”. Normalize the child’s emotions at let them know that it’s okay to be sad.
4. Follow the child’s lead: It’s okay to not encourage the child to talk about the trauma. However, it the child decided to open up to you be there to listen and support them.
5. Help the child identify their feelings: It is important for children to talk about their hurt or sadness. It may be necessary to seek professional help from a psychologist or licensed mental health professional trained to deal with trauma.

Copyright 2013 Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D. 

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References:

Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2013). Child Maltreatment 2011: Summary of key findings. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Children’s Bureau.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (2010). Early Childhood Trauma Retrieved September 2013 from http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/nctsn_earlychildhoodtrauma_08-2010final.pdf

Osofsky, J. Helping young children and families cope with trauma. Retrieved September 2013 from http://www.nctsnet.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/Helping_Young_Children_and_Families_Cope_with_Trauma.pdf

Tips on Coping with Tragedy: In the wake of the Boston Marathon Explosion

On yesterday, we experienced another tragedy in Boston when an explosion occurred near the finish line at the Boston Marathon. According to the New York Times, almost 23,000 runners participated in the race and approximately three-quarters of the runners had crossed the finish line prior to the bomb exploding. President Obama made a statement following the explosion and stated “I'm supremely confident that Bostonians will pull together, take care of each other, and move forward as one proud city. And as they do, the American people will be with them every single step of the way.”

In the wake of another tragedy, below are some resources to help children and their families cope and process the event.

Evidence-Based Early Psychological Intervention for Victims/Survivors of Mass Violence  

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Rescue Workers Can Do

What Parents Can Do To Help Children

            Spanish version: Que Pueden Hacer los Padres

Tips of talking with children: A guide for teachers and parents

A Guide for Managing Stress in Crisis Response

  

Copyright 2013 Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D.

Follow me on twitter @DrEarlTurner

References:

Image from the Boston Globe 

School violence: Tips on helping your child manage their emotions

Earlier today we witnessed another tragic school situation in Connecticut. According to the New York Times, 26 people (18 were children) were killed in a shooting this morning at an elementary school in Newton, CT. It was reported that the gunman shot his mother (who is a teacher at the school) and then 18 students in the class. In the wake of many recent school incidents of violence, a huge burden is placed on parents to help their child cope with the traumatizing event. 

Below are a few tips from the American Psychological Association (APA) on managing distress in children:

• Take "news breaks". Your children may want to keep informed by gathering information about the event from the internet, television, or newspapers. It is important to limit the amount of time spent watching the news because constant exposure may actually heighten their anxiety and fears. Also, scheduling some breaks for yourself is important; allow yourself time to engage in activities you enjoy.

• Talk with your child. Talking to your children about their worries and concerns is the first step to help them feel safe and begin to cope with the events occurring around them. What you talk about and how you say it does depend on their age, but all children need to be able to know you are there listening to them.
• Start the conversation; let them know you are interested in them and how they are coping with the information they are getting.
• Listen to their thoughts and point of view; don't interrupt--allow them to express their ideas and understanding before you respond.
• Express your own opinions and ideas without putting down theirs; acknowledge that it is okay to disagree.
• Remind them you are there for them to provide safety, comfort and support. Give them a hug.

• Keep home a safe place. Children, regardless of age, often find home to be a safe haven when the world around them becomes overwhelming. During times of crisis, it is important to remember that your children may come home seeking the safe feeling they have being there. Help make it a place where your children find the solitude or comfort they need. Plan a night where everyone participates in a favorite family activity.

• Watch for signs of stress, fear or anxiety. After a traumatic event, it is typical for children (and adults) to experience a wide range of emotions, including fearfulness, shock, anger, grief and anxiety. Your children's behaviors may change because of their response to the event. They may experience trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work, or changes in appetite. This is normal for everyone and should begin to disappear in a few months. Encourage your children to put their feelings into words by talking about them or journaling. Some children may find it helpful to express their feelings through art.

• Take care of yourself. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your children. Be a model for your children on how to manage traumatic events. Keep regular schedules for activities such as family meals and exercise to help restore a sense of security and normalcy.

If you find that your child is experiencing significant trauma and emotional difficulties you should consult with the school counselor or seek professional help in your area. It is possible that you may find a resource of providers by searching the website of the psychological association in your state. You can also browse for a psychologist in your area through APA.

Copyright 2012 Erlanger A. Turner, Ph.D.

Follow me on Twitter @DrEarlTurner and on Facebook at “Get Psych’d with Dr. T”

References:

American Psychological Association (2011). Helping your child manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting. Obtained December 14, 2012 from http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx

Photo: courtesy of Shannon Hick/The Newton Bee