Childhood Trauma

When it is a problem:

1. Has your child been exposed to a traumatic event such as abuse, violence, medical emergency, auto accident or severe weather such as hurricanes or tornadoes?
2. If your child has developed problems sleeping and or is having nightmares.
3. If your chld appears to have difficulty seperating from you when he/she did not have the problem in the past.
4. If your chld repeatedly has memories of the traumatic event and becomes anxious or upset.
5. If your child begins to have difficulty at school, either behaviorally or academically.

Solution:

1. Do not assume that just because a child is very yound that he or she is not traumatized by an event. Young children show their trauma in different ways such as changes in ther eating and sleeping habits.
2. Helf find ways to reassure your ch ild that you will help to keep him or her safe.
3. Encourage your child to e xpress his/her feelings and fears. This is a tome to listen more t han talk and to take your child's concerns seriously.
4. If your child continues to have difficulties and it is interfering in his/her daily life, ssek help from a mental health professional.

Credits: Center for Child and Family Services, Inc.