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Trauma and Children
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Trauma among Children
A traumatic event disrupts the child’s basic assumption that the world is a safe and controllable place. Many children do not fully understand the nature of the frightening situation they find themselves in, and this serves to increase their anxieties and fears. A traumatic experience may also upset the delicate balance of parent-child relationships, as the child's confidence that the parent will always be able to protect him may be disturbed. However, children’s reactions to a traumatic event are strongly influenced by the behavior of parents or other significant adults, who serve as role models, demonstrating how to interpret the situation and react to it.
Reactions to a traumatic event may be divided according to three age groups:
1. Early Childhood (3-5 year olds): Typical reactions in this age group are clinging to parents, crying and a regressing to behaviors such as wetting and finger sucking. Frequently, children this age work through the traumatic event by playing games that reenact it.
2. Middle Childhood (6-11 year olds): Reactions typical to this age group are aggressiveness, avoidance of subjects related to the trauma, regressive behaviors, isolation, and difficulties in concentrating.
3. Adolescence (12 – 18 year olds): Adolescents show varied reactions to traumatic events, sometimes resembling adult reactions and other times those of younger children. In addition, adolescents may evidence increased risk taking behavior, isolation, antisocial behavior and increased use of addictive substances.
Helping a Child in the Aftermath of Trauma
The main task for parents in the aftermath of trauma is to provide their child with a safe environment. This goal may be achieved by developing sensitivity to the child’s distress signals and communicating openly about the traumatic experience. It is important to be well tuned to the child’s needs, since he may experience significant distress without outwardly expressing it. In most cases, children and adolescents cope well with trauma and return to normal functioning within several months. However, if the symptoms persist or the child is having trouble in his basic day-to-day functioning (such as aggressiveness, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts), it is important to seek professional help. One good source might be the school counselor, who can refer the child on to the appropriate professional help.
- For additional information regarding children, fears and trauma see Traumaweb’s understanding childhood fears page.
- For more advice and information about helping children after trauma, you are welcome to visit Traumaweb’s talking with children page.
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2001