A child may seem to develop a new personality (e. g. a confident girl turning into a shaky people-pleaser overnight), or may switch between several strong moods (e. g. a boy who flip-flops between withdrawn and aggressive). [1] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source
A child may become extremely upset when reminded of anything related to the trauma - for example, they may become highly anxious or cry when they see an object or person that reminds them of what happened. [2] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source
Children with developmental disabilities may experience regression more easily, which can make it harder to figure out whether the regression is related to trauma or not.
A child who has been traumatized may seem defiant or frequently get in trouble. [7] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source This may be more apparent in school.
These changes in behavior will happen over a pretty short timeframe. [11] X Expert Source Meredith Brinster, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 23 July 2021. It’s common for children to start having difficulty with everyday life after experiencing a trauma. They may resist things like bedtime, attending school, or spending time with friends. Their performance in school might slip and they may experience behavioral regression. Take note of anything that’s become a problem after a traumatic event. [12] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source A traumatized child may also act withdrawn all of the sudden. [13] X Expert Source Meredith Brinster, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.
Children who have experienced a trauma may develop separation anxiety from parents or caregivers and fear being apart from them. [15] X Research source Some children withdraw and “disconnect” from family or friends instead, preferring to be alone. [16] X Research source
Some children may also relive the traumatic event in flashbacks. [19] X Expert Source Meredith Brinster, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 23 July 2021.
Some children may obsess over preventing the event in the future, such as constantly checking the smoke alarm after a house fire. This may turn into Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Children might replay the event repeatedly in their art or play, like drawing the event over and over again, or repeatedly crashing toy cars into things. [21] X Research source
If a child has been traumatized, they may have difficulty trusting others as a defense mechanism, as they’re unable to view other people or places as safe. [23] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source A child who was abused by an adult may start fearing other adults. For example, a girl who was hurt by a tall, blond man may be afraid of her tall, blond uncle because he looks similar to the man who hurt her.
For example, a child abused by a therapist may scream and cry if they see the therapy building, and may panic if they even hear the word “therapy. "
This may lead to obsessive-compulsive behavior. For example, maybe a boy and his sister were playing in the dirt when the traumatic event happened, and now he feels the need to keep everyone perfectly clean and away from dirt.
A child who has been traumatized may struggle with friendships and appropriate dynamics. They may become extremely passive towards their peers, or try to control or bully them. [27] X Research source Other children withdraw, feeling unable to connect to their peers. [28] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source Children who have been sexually abused may try to mimic the abuse in their play, so it’s important to watch how a child plays with peers after trauma. [29] X Research source
For example, if the child experienced a natural disaster or is a refugee, the child may talk about worries that their family will not be safe, or will not have anywhere to live. A traumatized child may obsess over their family’s safety and try to protect their family. [33] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source
After a trauma, some children fixate on death and may talk or read about it excessively, even if they aren’t necessarily suicidal. [34] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source If there was a death in the family, talking about death isn’t always a sign of suicidality. Sometimes, it’s just a sign that they’re trying to understand death and mortality. Still, if it is happening a lot, it may be worth investigating if something is wrong.
Anxiety is a big marker for experiencing a traumatic event. [35] X Expert Source Meredith Brinster, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist Expert Interview. 23 July 2021. Watch your child’s eating habits, sleep, mood, and concentration. If any of these change dramatically or seem unusual, it’s best to investigate it. [36] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source Trauma can mimic other conditions. For example, some children become hyper, impulsive, and unable to concentrate after experiencing a trauma, which is frequently mistaken for ADHD. Others may seem defiant or aggressive, which can be misconstrued as simple behavioral problems. If something’s wrong, get a professional involved. [37] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source
Tell your child that they can come to you if they have fears, questions, or things they want to talk about. If your child does so, give them your full attention and validate their feelings. [40] X Research source If the traumatic event made the news (e. g. a school shooting or natural disaster), reduce your child’s exposure to media sources, and monitor their use of the internet and TV. Repeated exposure to the event on the news can make it harder for the child to recover. [41] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source Providing emotional support can reduce your child’s risk of developing trauma, or make the trauma less severe than it could have been.
If the traumatic event happened to multiple family members, or if you think the family could use help, look into family therapy. [44] X Research source
Take time to talk about what’s going on with your loved ones, like your spouse and friends. Talking about your feelings can help you deal with them and feel less alone. Look into support groups if you or a loved one is going through something very difficult. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself what you need right now. Do you need a warm shower, a cup of coffee, a hug, 30 minutes with a good book? Take good care of yourself.
Try to get your child moving (taking walks, going to the park, swimming, jumping on a trampoline, etc. ) at least once per day. Ideally, 1/3 of your child’s plate should be filled with fruits and vegetables that they like eating.
Natural disasters Vehicle accidents and other accidents Neglect Verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse (including things like compliance therapy, restraint, or seclusion) Sexual assault or rape Wide-scale violence, like a mass shooting or terrorist attack War Violent/intense bullying or victimization Witnessing someone else’s trauma (e. g. witnessing abuse)
