HOW CAN YOU AS A PARENT HELP YOUR TRAUMATISED CHILD?
1. The adult should be a calming influence and help control the child’s emotions and act as role model during the difficult times.
2. Daily life should be restored. Do everyday things: get up at the usual time, go to football practice, get homework done, and enjoy the usual weekend treats. Re-establishing the everyday rhythm helps normalize the situation.
3. Adults should support the child in creating a collective history of the traumatic situation – talk with the child about what happened. Show that you want to answer questions, and you will discuss the experience – even if it’s hard. If possible, revisit the place where the trauma occurred and talk about it.