Trauma
Why This is Important
One out of every four children attending school has been exposed to a traumatic event that can affect learning and/or behavior. Trauma can damage learning and affect school performance. Traumatized children may experience physical and emotional distress, so it is important you know things to do that may help.
Quick Activity
Younger children respond to reassuring hugs and simple reminders such as It’s over now or It’s all going to be okay. Older children find comfort from hearing facts and information about what happened.
More Activities and Games
Being honest is extremely important. While you should adjust information according to the age and personality of the child, express honesty. Do not say there is nothing wrong if there is something wrong.
Encouraging your child to be involved in sports can help awaken your child’s nervous system from that “stuck” feeling that often comes after a traumatic experience. Examples of sports where children move both their arms and legs are basketball, soccer, running, martial arts, or swimming.
The food your child eats can have a serious impact on their mood and ability to deal with traumatic stress. Eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, high-quality protein, and healthy fats, especially omega-3 fatty acids found in walnuts, fish, and eggs, can help your child or teen better deal with the difficulties that follow an alarming experience.