Support through trauma

How to support a young girl after trauma

A traumatised child’s nervous system is on high alert

You can help by:

• Keeping routines predictable, meal times, school routines, bed times

• Speaking in a calm & steady tone

• Letting her know what happens next, for example : we are going to the supermarket then we will be going home

• Limiting any shouting, conflict or sudden changes in environment

Let her lead the conversation

Children often talk about trauma slowly and indirectly

Helpful approaches:

• Let her share at her own pace

• Don’t pressure her to explain more than she wants to

• If she talks, listen without judgement

Maintain consistent boundaries

Trauma can make children feel like they are out of control

Consistency helps them feel secure:

• Clear, predictable rules

• Gentle reminders, avoiding hard punishment and raised voices

• Emphasising safety rather than discipline

Encourage healthy coping mechanisms

• Breathing exercises

• Art, music, play

• Quite time in a comfortable space

• Time outdoors

• Physicals movement

Take care of yourself too

Supporting a traumatised child’s nervous system is emotionally heavy

Your stability helps their stability