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 chaotic occurrence, routines help children feel that life could return to normal once again. As much as possible, have set times for meals and sleeping, to help give children a sense of security and normalcy. 4. Let the kids enjoy themselves. Now more than ever, a child who has undergone trauma needs to play with other kids. Dr. Mark Swaim suggests giving them activities they can work on as distraction is good for them at this time.

5. Initiate lots of conversation. Much like an adult, children need to talk about their feelings, fears, and other emotions. Talking is therapeutic, but make sure that you don’t prod the child or force conversation. Let them occur naturally while engaged in other activities such as painting, gardening, or walking.

Dr. Mark Swaim reminds you to be as present, loving, and warm as you can during the aftermath of a traumatic event. Ultimately, it is the parent who plays the biggest role in helping a child recover.