Children can suffer the aftershocks of trauma for weeks after an event. Some stress in children is part of the natural grieving and coping process. Some children behaviors may call for extra help.
Natural Responses to Trauma
Offer extra shared time, a warm hug and a listening ear to solve these post-trauma troubles:
- Grieving in "pieces" - short spurts alternating with normal play
- A change in behavior -an outgoing child becomes temporarily shy; an active child gets quiet
- Reverting back to earlier child development stages -bedwetting or thumbsucking in youngsters; sleep problems or indifference in teens
- Reactivation of feelings from earlier losses, like death or divorce
- Playing games that reenact the traumatic event -this can be a healthy way to work through their concerns
- Desire for extra reassurance about where parents will be and whether or not a situation is safe
- Feeling sad - feeling blue from time to time is to be expected
- Headaches or appetite changes - again, temporary
Cries for Help
Seek help from school psychologists, family therapists or your child's doctor if you notice:
- Excessive re-enactment of a traumatic experience
- Worry about dying at an early age
- Lost interest in activities
- Recurring headaches and stomachaches
- Sudden and extreme emotional reactions
- Upsetting frightening dreams
- Irritability or angry outbursts
- Feeling that the experience is happening again
Linda Wacyk is a mother and former EduGuide editor.