Supporting Children Through Trauma: A Guide for Caregivers
By Lori Gill, RP, MACP, CTIC | Lori Gill Psychotherapy | ATTCH
Healing life’s hurts through awareness, compassion, & self-care
Trauma can affect children in many ways—sometimes in ways that aren’t always obvious. As a caregiver, your support, understanding, and presence are essential to your child’s healing. Here’s what you need to know, and how you can help.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma can result from experiencing, witnessing, or even being close to someone else’s traumatic experience. This might include abuse, loss, exposure to domestic violence, separation, divorce, or other overwhelming events. Every child experiences trauma differently—what matters is how it impacts your child.
Common Signs of Trauma in Children
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering information
- Intense emotional reactions
- Unusual clinginess or need to be with a caregiver
- Changes in mood (anxiety, agitation, fearfulness, withdrawal)
- Trouble sleeping, fear of being alone
- Easily startled by reminders of the event
- Hypervigilance (always on the lookout for danger)
- Regressive behaviours (bedwetting, thumb sucking, nail biting)
- New headaches, stomach issues, fatigue
- Repeatedly talking about or refusing to talk about the event
How You Can Help
Compassion & Safety:
Trauma can lead to behaviours and feelings that don’t seem like your child. This isn’t intentional—your child is doing their best to survive. More than anything, they need to feel safe.
Empower & Normalize:
Let your child know their reactions are normal. Listen without needing to “fix” or fully understand. Give them space to share their experience and validate their feelings.
Affection & Protection:
Offer extra love, affection, and connection. Feeling alone is common after trauma—soothing sensory activities and positive connections can help.
Structure & Predictability:
A consistent routine helps provide a sense of safety and stability. Be patient—behaviour and emotions may be intense at times.
Name It to Tame It:
Notice and name feelings gently. For example:
- “It looks like you’re feeling sad. Would a hug help?”
- “It looks like you’re angry. Want to stomp your feet or shake it out together?”
- “Feeling anxious? Let’s bounce on the mini trampoline or take some deep breaths.”
When to Seek Help
If your child’s symptoms persist or are interfering with daily life, consider reaching out to a qualified trauma therapist. Look for someone trained in trauma-specific, sensory-based approaches.
Recommended Resources for Caregivers
- Books:
- The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
- Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel Siegel
- Trauma Proofing Your Child by Peter Levine & Maggie Kline
- Brave Bart (children’s book)
- Attachment-Focused Parenting by Daniel Hughes
- Websites:
Remember
- Trauma is not your child’s fault—or yours.
- Healing is possible with safety, compassion, and support.
- You don’t have to do this alone.
Contact us with questions or to book a consultation:
🌐 www.holisticwellnessforhealth.com
📧 lorigillpsychotherapy@attch.org
📞 (905) 684-7340
📱 @lorigilltherapy
