23/10/2025
Is your child showing big emotions, withdrawal, sleep troubles, or trouble concentrating after something stressful? These can be signs of trauma — and the good news is: small, steady supports from you and their school make a huge difference.
What trauma can look like
- Intense meltdowns or sudden anger
- Excessive clinginess or acting younger than their age
- Withdrawal, anxiety, nightmares, or trouble sleeping
- Trouble focusing, impulsivity, or irritability
- Avoiding certain places/people or being easily startled
How parents can support right now
- Stay calm and present: your tone and body language help regulate them.
- Validate feelings: simple lines like “I see you’re upset — that makes sense” build safety.
- Keep routines predictable: consistent meals, bedtime, and transitions reduce anxiety.
- Co-regulate before teaching: join them in calming (slow breathing, quiet voice), then practice self‑regulation skills together.
- Celebrate small wins and stay patient — healing is gradual.
Therapeutic strategies & self‑regulation tools
- Breathing practice: try 4‑4‑4 (inhale 4s, hold 4s, exhale 4s) or “smell the cookie, blow out the candle.”
- Grounding: “Name 5 things you see/4 things you hear/3 things you can touch.”
- Sensory breaks: jumping, wall pushes, heavy hugs, or a short walk to release energy.
- Emotion tools: feelings charts, feelings thermometers, and labeling emotions help kids name what’s happening.
- Professional therapies: trauma‑informed therapy, play therapy, TF-CBT (trauma-focused CBT) — consult a qualified therapist when needed.
Creating a calm environment at home
- Make a calm corner: soft lighting, a small chair/blanket, calm-down box (fidgets, picture book, stress ball).
- Reduce sensory overload: dim bright lights, lower background noise, offer headphones for noisy settings.
- Prepare for change: give warnings before transitions (“In 5 minutes we’ll…”) and use visual schedules for predictability.
- Keep household stress managed: kids pick up caregiver tension — self-care matters.
How parents can partner with school
- Request a meeting: invite the teacher and the school counselor to share observations and coordinate supports.
- Share a one-page plan that includes: known triggers, calming strategies that work, safe adult(s) to go to, and contact info for the parent.
- Ask for consistent language and signals (a simple check-in phrase or gesture) so the child experiences predictability.
- Request reasonable accommodations: access to a quiet space, sensory breaks, shortened assignments when needed, or scheduled check-ins. Consider formal plans (504/IEP) if behavior significantly affects learning.
- Role-play school scenarios at home so the child knows what to expect.
Practical tools to start using today
- Calm‑down box: fidgets, small stuffed toy, squeeze ball, picture book.
- Visual schedule & timers: show transitions and how long activities will last.
- Feelings chart or thermometer: helps children label intensity.
- Noise‑reduction headphones & dimmable lamp.
- Grounding cards or scripts for pocket use.
- Simple communication card for school with: child name, triggers, what helps, safe adult, emergency contact.
Quick phrases that help
- “I’m here with you.”
- “You’re safe right now.”
- “Tell me what you need.”
- “We can try a deep breath together.”
When to get professional help
- If symptoms are persistent/worsening or interfere with school, sleep, or safety, contact a pediatrician or trauma‑informed mental health
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