Trauma-Informed Support
Maintain usual routines. A return to “normalcy” will communicate the message that the child is safe and life will go on.
Give children choices. Often traumatic events involve loss of control and/or chaos, so you can help children feel safe by providing them with some choices or control when appropriate.
Increase the level of support and encouragement given to the traumatized child. Designate an adult who can provide additional support if needed.
Set clear, firm limits for inappropriate behavior and logical—rather than punitive— consequences.
Recognize that behavioral problems may be transient and related to trauma. Remember that even the most disruptive behaviors can be driven by trauma-related anxiety.
Provide a safe place for the child to talk about what happened. Set aside a designated time and place for sharing to help the child know it is okay to talk about what happened.
Give simple and realistic answers to the child’s questions about traumatic events. Clarify distortions and misconceptions. If it isn’t an appropriate time, be sure to give the child a time and place to talk and ask questions.
Be sensitive to the cues in the environment that may cause a reaction in the traumatized child.
Anticipate difficult times and provide additional support. Many kinds of situations may be reminders. If you are able to identify reminders, you can help by preparing the child for the situation.
Be aware of other children’s reactions to the traumatized child and to the information they share. Protect the traumatized child from peers’ curiosity and protect classmates from the details of a child’s trauma.