With Senate Resolution 0099, Illinois declared May 15, 2019, as Trauma-Informed Awareness Day to highlight the impact of trauma and the importance of prevention and community resilience through trauma-informed care. It is typical for children and adolescents to have a range of reactions after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as a natural disaster, an act of violence, or a serious accident. Trauma can also be defined as family violence, abuse, illness, neglect, maltreatment, or family separation.
When a young child incurs trauma, there can be significant repercussions. For example, trauma can impact child’s brain development. Specifically, trauma can impact a child’s health, emotional development, and cognition. Further, trauma between a parent and a child can impact the child’s attachment to their family. Altogether, the effects of trauma are multipronged, impacting the child and family.
There are many strategies to address trauma among young children, such as:
- Teaching coping strategies. Talk to your child about expressing their emotions in a healthy way. Acknowledge their feelings.
- Noticing behavior that seems unusual for your child. Pay attention to their behavior. Talk with your health care provider if you have concerns.
- Modeling optimism and positivity. This will help demonstrate resilience.
- Demonstrating empathy. Show your child your concern through your actions.
How adults respond to trauma can strongly influence how children and adolescents react to trauma. When caregivers and family members take steps to support their own ability to cope, they can provide better care for others.
Caregivers and family members can help by creating a safe and supportive environment, remaining as calm as possible, and reducing stressors. Children and adolescents need to know that their family members love them and will do their best to take care of them. When you learn that a child has had a traumatic experience, don’t make them discuss the event before they are ready, don’t get angry if they show strong emotions, and don’t expect the child to be brave or tough. It is best to try to stick to routines, help the child feel in control by letting them make some decisions for themselves such as choosing their snack or clothing. Being open and available to a child’s questions and concerns while also allowing them to process the experience in their own time caregivers can help a child who has experienced trauma.
For additional resources on trauma in young children see our resource guide, “Stress and Trauma in Young Children”