It is unfortunate that millions of children around the world experience some form of trauma each year. Whether it is a natural disaster, being in a car accident or being bullied at school. These traumatic events can leave lasting impressions on young minds. As a parent it is important to know how to support children through trauma.

Establish a safe environment

One of the best ways to help your child cope with trauma is to create an environment that is conducive to healing. This includes setting clear boundaries. By helping them find healthy outlets for emotions and providing a safe haven for them to express their feelings freely. In addition it is important to give your child the space they need to address their trauma in their own time.

Provide reassurance and validating emotions

When dealing with any trauma children often feel emotions such as fear, guilt, shame, sadness, anger and more. It is important to let your child know that these emotions are normal and provide them with reassurance that you will be there for them no matter what. Remind them that it is okay to cry if they need to or talk about how they are feeling without being judged.

Offer support and patience can support children through trauma

It is important to remember that everyone processes trauma differently. Some children may need more time to process their experience than others. It is important for parents to offer support and understanding rather than pressuring the child to ‘move on.’ Provide your child with a safe space where they can explore their emotions without feeling judged or rushed. It is equally important to stay patient and present during this process as it can take some time for your child to heal.

Seek professional help if needed

In some cases professional help such as a Therapist or Psychologist may be necessary in order to ensure that your child heals from the trauma they experienced. Talking to a mental health professional can provide your family with additional resources and strategies for dealing with difficult feelings, thoughts and behaviours related to the trauma. Furthermore a mental health professional may be able to identify any underlying issues such as depression or anxiety that your child may be experiencing.

No matter what your child is dealing with it is important to remember that there are ways to help them cope and heal from their experience. By creating a safe environment for your child and providing reassurance, support and patience you can play an important role in helping to support children through trauma. If needed seeking out professional help can also ensure that your family has access to the resources they need to move forward in a healthy way.