Dr. Mark Swaim Shares A Practical Guide To Helping A Child Recover From a Traumatic Event
Dr. Mark Swaim shares that a child needs your support, comfort, and reassurance following a traumatic experience. These help them manage their fears, guide their grief, help them recover, and make them feel safer. In the aftermath of a traumatic event, here are some tips on what to do, expect, and look out for in your child: 1. Create a safe space for them. All children benefit from the gift of touch, whether they are toddlers or teens. Extra hugs, cuddling, or just a reassuring pat on the back goes a long way in providing much-needed security, which is essential after a particularly disturbing or frightening experience. 2. Stay calm (or at least act like it). Dr. Mark Swaim explains that children depend on adults to reassure them, especially after a troubling event. Never talk about your anxieties with children and be aware of the tone of your voice and the way you act. Children can always tell when an adult is anxious. 3. Create routines and stick to them. After a particularly ch...