06/10/2025
💙 Supporting Children After a Traumatic or Distressing Event 💙
When young children experience something frightening or upsetting, it’s normal for them to feel confused and have lots of strong emotions, thoughts, or even upsetting images in their minds.
Ways you can support them:
• Reassure your child that their feelings are normal and that you are there to listen and support them
• Try to keep daily routines and activities as consistent as possible, to give a sense of safety and predictability
• Make sure they have regular meals, drinks, rest, and sleep to help their body and mind recover
• Be available when they want to talk, and pay attention to what they express through words, drawings, or play
• Offer simple, age-appropriate explanations to help them understand what happened
• Encourage time with friends and family – familiar connections help them feel safe
• Remember, changes in behaviour are often temporary and linked to the fear or stress of the event
• Keep expectations realistic and ease up on unnecessary pressures
