STRESSORS IN A CHILD'S LIFE - HOW TRAUMA CAN AFFECT THEIR LIVES

Stressors in a Child’s Life - How trauma can affect their lives

We live in very stressful times. All children will encounter stressful events in their lives. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry defines traumatic events as those that are beyond the scope of what one might ordinarily expect to encounter.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE TRAUMATIC EVENTS THAT MAY AFFECT A CHILD?

Children may witness or be the victim of community violence such as shootings, rapes, stabbings, and beatings.

Children may be the victims of what is called ‘complex trauma’. This would include neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and domestic violence. Exposure to this type of trauma usually happens over a long period of time.

Children who are witnesses or victims of domestic violence.

Children between the ages of 0-6 who encounter early childhood trauma such as a natural disaster or accident. It can also be the result of intentional physical or sexual abuse.

Children who have experienced a medical trauma such as a serious injury, pain, or serious illnesses, or hospitalization.

Children who have experienced a natural disaster such as a hurricane, earthquake, flood or tornado can experience trauma. Also explosions or acts of terrorism.

Children who experience neglect such as failure to supply adequate food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or proper supervision.

Children who have been physically abused.

Children who are victims of school violence, threats or fights a school.

Children who have been involved in wars or refugees.

Children who have experienced prolonged poverty.

Children who are part of a family experiencing separation, divorce, death, and even a move.

Living with a parent or sibling who has emotional or physical disabilities

HOW CHILDREN HANDLE STRESS

Children react to stress and trauma in many way. How they handle the trauma may depend on their age. Young children may feel scared and not understand what is happening. Because they cannot put their feelings into words, they may feel helpless and fearful. A child that has been previously toilet trained my regress and start wetting their pants. They may not want to be away from their parent. They cannot sleep alone or play outside. In very serious traumatic situations children have even lost the ability to speak.

As children grow they are able to verbalize their feelings. They may become very anxious and concerned with their safety and not sleep well. Problems in school which include inability to concentrate, and poor grades. Some children become aggressive.

Children who are repeatedly victims of stress and trauma may become depressed, have panic attacks, or develop serious mental issues such as obsessive-compulsive disorders.

HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD

Children may face many of the above stressors. Most children can handle normal stress, however we know that families go through crises and transitions, therefore it is important that we give our child tools and help when coping with stress.

Routines are important to a child. They help the child feel more secure. Keeping a quiet and calm atmosphere is important. Children more than ever need your presence and reassurance during stressful times. Arrange happy activities to do together with your family, thus making your home a safe place for the child. This may be hard to do when going through a stressful time. You may be feeling the effects of a traumatic situation and bevtrying to cope with your own feelings. In order to help your child, you must help yourself. Find an avenue of support. It may be friends, family, church group or professional help.

It’s easy to feel sorry for a child under stress, but it is import that the child know you are there and that you are the parent and still expect certain behavior from the child. Continue to use loving discipline, this will help the child to have a feeling of consistency and security.

Feelings and emotions can be overwhelming to a child. Especially a young child that is suddenly experiencing strong emotions they do not understand. Talk with your child about what they are feeling. Name the emotions and help your child recognize which emotion they are feeling. Teach your child it is ok to have these feelings, and teach your child how to deal with them.

For example: Your child may feel angry and it is ok to express in words that they are angry, however it is not ok to take the anger out on another child or family member by hurting them.

Talk it out, show them what they can do if they feel angry.

For example: they can punch a pillow, but not another child.

Your child may need counseling, so it is important to talk to your pediatrician when you have serious concerns. Show your child love and affection every day. Children need a place where they feel safe and loved, this will help your child learn how to cope with painful feelings caused by stress and trauma.

Information from
The National Child Trauma Stress Network http://www.nctsnet.org/