How does the Trauma impact my child?
Trauma responses show up in many ways and can have an impact in the school environment, home environment, and in your child's friendships:
In School
Children are still learning how to regulate emotions, trust others, and understand themselves. Experiencing Trauma can disrupt these foundational skills.
Childhood Trauma create difficulties at school for your child:
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Trouble focusing or learning because the brain is on “alert”.
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Acting out, withdrawing, or having frequent outbursts.
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Feeling unsafe when trying new things, or giving up easily
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Challenges with decision-making and impulse control
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Difficulty self-soothing and allowing body to enter state of calm
In Friendships
Trauma in childhood often involves caregivers, the very people children rely on for safety.
When those relationships are unsafe or unpredictable, it can:
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Finding it hard to open up or depend on others
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Becoming too clingy or completely avoiding close connections
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Interpreting neutral comments as threats or rejection
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People-pleasing or pushing others away preemptively
At Home
Chronic trauma occurs from repeated and prolonged exposure to distressing events, such as domestic violence or ongoing bullying.
Common impacts on daily functioning:
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Meltdowns over small things
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Spending hours alone or refusing to engage
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Strong reactions to “no” or any perceived unfairness
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Trying to control siblings, games, or routines
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Sleep Troubles
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Perfectionism or Overachievement