Supporting your child following a traumatic event
Following a traumatic experience, some children may experience the following:
- Fear
- Fatigue
- Helplessness
- Anxiety
- Anger
- Upset
- Nightmares
- Increased alertness for danger
- Loss of concentration
- Feeling guilty, ashamed or confused
- Physical complaints including stomach or headaches
- Not being able to sleep
- Being more clingy with parents/carers
- Changes in appetite
- Not wanting to go out or to school
- Not wanting to think or talk about the event
- Suddenly reliving memories or images of the event
- Other behavioural or developmental changes
- Children with additional needs or who may have previously had mental health difficulties may be more vulnerable. Some children for example with Autism may become preoccupied with the event.
How you can help:
- Reassure children they are safe and that tragic events like these are rare.
- Listen carefully to children and young people’s fears and worries.
- Reassure them you’re here to listen whenever they want to talk about things.
- Reassure them that it’s ok to be upset and have a number of different feelings and emotions.
- Provide children with help and patience to express their feelings appropriately.
- Shield children, and particularly young children, from disturbing images on the television/internet.
- Answer their questions honestly, in an age-appropriate way but avoid complicated and worrying explanations that could be frightening and confusing.
- Continue to keep to routines and normal daily activities, supporting children to eat, sleep, exercise, relax and stay healthy.
- Create opportunities to do positive activities and build emotional resilience.
- Parents/carers and school staff should keep in touch, ensuring a consistent approach.
- Signpost children to further advice and support.
- Parent/carers can seek advice from their GP.
- As an adult, look after yourself. Know your limitations. Seek help and advice from colleagues, friends and family, community and faith groups.
- Ensure children receive specialist additional help if this becomes necessary.