Children who have experienced trauma can struggle with feelings of fear, anger, or sadness. This can affect their behaviour, relationships, and ability to learn. Trauma can be caused by many experiences, such as abuse, neglect, loss of a loved one, or witnessing violence.

For these children, having the support of caregivers and educators is pretty important to help them heal and feel safe. Here are some simple ways caregivers and educators can support traumatized children:

Step 1: Create a safe and predictable environment

The first step in supporting a traumatized child is to create a safe and predictable environment. For children who have experienced trauma, the world can seem like a scary and chaotic place. Caregivers and educators can help by creating a sense of security. This can be achieved by maintaining consistent routines, setting clear rules, and following through on promises.

Having a daily schedule in the classroom or at home helps children know what to expect, which can reduce their anxiety. If changes in the routine are necessary, explaining them ahead of time can help the child feel more in control.

Step 2: Build a strong and trusting relationship with the child

Children who have been through trauma need strong, trusting relationships with adults. Building trust takes time, but it’s an important step toward helping them feel safe and supported. Caregivers and educators can build trust by being patient, showing kindness, and listening to the child’s feelings without judgment.

Spending quality time with the child, such as playing a game, reading together, or simply talking, can help strengthen the relationship. It’s important to let the child know that their feelings matter and that it’s okay to express emotions, whether they are happy, sad, or angry. Consistently being there for the child, even on difficult days, helps build trust over time.

Step 3: Learn and understand their trauma triggers

Traumatized children can have specific triggers—things that remind them of the traumatic event and cause them to react with fear, anger, or sadness. Caregivers and educators need to recognise these triggers and help the child avoid or manage them. For example, loud noises, certain smells, or specific places can bring back memories of the trauma.

If a child suddenly becomes upset, it may be because something reminded them of their past experiences. In these moments, it’s helpful to calmly reassure the child that they are safe and that it’s okay to have these feelings. Helping the child develop coping strategies, such as deep breathing or using a comforting object like a favourite toy, can also make a difference.

Step 4: Encourage children to express their feelings

Children who have experienced trauma may find it difficult to express their emotions, or they may act out in ways that seem inappropriate. Encouraging them to talk about their feelings or express them in other ways can be very healing. Art, music, or play can be helpful tools for children who may struggle to talk about their experiences directly.

Caregivers and educators can use activities like drawing, storytelling, or playing with toys to help the child express what they are feeling. For example, a child might draw a picture that shows how they feel, or a teacher might use storybooks that talk about feelings to start a conversation. The goal is to help the child recognise and understand their emotions in a safe and supportive way.

Step 5: Understand and be patient with their behaviour

Traumatized children might act out, withdraw, or have trouble paying attention. These behaviours are often ways of coping with difficult emotions. Caregivers and educators need to remember that these behaviours are not the child’s fault, and punishing them may not help. Instead, it’s better to try to understand what might be causing the behaviour.

For instance, if a child is having a hard time concentrating in class, it might be because they are feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Rather than reprimanding the child, offering a calming activity or giving them a quiet space to take a break can help. Being patient and responding with empathy can encourage the child to open up about what they are feeling.

Step 6: Encourage positive interactions with others

Social connections can play a key role in helping children heal from trauma. Encouraging positive interactions with other children can help a traumatized child feel more connected and supported. Caregivers and educators can facilitate this by promoting group activities where children can work together, such as playing games or doing art projects.

It’s also helpful to teach all children about kindness and empathy. When classmates understand how to support each other, it creates a more caring and inclusive environment. If a child feels accepted and included by their peers, it can boost their sense of belonging and reduce feelings of isolation.

Step 7: Always consider seeking professional help when needed

Finally, caregivers and educators should recognise when a child may need additional support from a professional, such as a therapist or counsellor. While providing a supportive environment at home and school is important, some children may need specialized help to work through their trauma.

Signs that a child might need professional help include ongoing sadness, extreme anger, withdrawal, or behaviours that interfere with daily life. Consulting with a mental health professional can help create a more tailored approach to support the child’s needs.

Dealing with traumatised children can be hard but not impossible!

Being a traumatised child's supporter takes tolerance, compassion, and comprehension. By establishing a secure atmosphere, fostering trust, understanding trauma triggers, and promoting communication, educators and carers can facilitate children's recovery and development. It's a long road, but children who have been traumatised can recover and find happiness once more with the correct help. 

If you want to go the extra mile as a parent, you might want to consider taking parenting courses since this will help you better understand your child and know what’s best for them emotionally, physically and mentally.