Understanding Trauma: Exert Advice for Parents Suporting Children After Trauma

Introduction

Experiencing trauma can deeply affect a child’s emotional and behavioural wellbeing—even if the event seems minor. According to the Better Health Channel fact sheet, children may respond with withdrawal, anxiety, or physical symptoms based on their age, personality, and how their family reacts. Trauma and children – tips for parents and carers | Better Health Channel

These responses can emerge immediately—or even weeks or months later.

Parents play a vital role in their child’s recovery. By understanding how to talk, respond, and support routines after a traumatic event, caregivers can help children regain a sense of safety, control, and normalcy.

How Children React to Trauma

A child’s response to trauma depends on a variety of factors: age, temperament, family environment, and how the crisis impacted significant adults in their life.

Common reactions include:

Withdrawal: Loss of interest in favourite activities, regression to younger behaviours
Preoccupation: Reenacting events in play, obsessions about safety, nightmares
Anxiety: Difficulties concentrating, clinginess, irritability, sleep problems
Physical symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches
Delayed reaction: Symptoms may appear days, weeks, or months after the event

How to Talk About the Event

Honest, age‑appropriate communication is vital for healing:

Reassure your child repeatedly that they are safe and the event is over (if it is)
Listen actively and take their concerns seriously
Explain what happened using language they can understand
Avoid withholding facts—children may fill gaps with imagining worse scenarios
Clarify that the event was not their fault
Engage in family conversations: give everyone space to share feelings
Normalise emotional responses and reassure them they will gradually improve over time

How Your Actions Can Support Recovery

Children take emotional cues from parents. The way you react makes a significant difference.

Helpful Strategies:

Show understanding about behavioural changes (bedwetting, tantrums, clinginess)
Provide extra attention, especially around bedtime or moments of separation
Prioritise support for yourself—if you’re distressed, your child may feel more anxious
Share your feelings in an age‑appropriate way to model healthy emotional expression
Recognise individual differences in how family members cope. Different children will usually respond differently
Give your child small choices to help them feel in control again
Resist becoming overprotective—balance safety with gentle encouragement of normal life

Maintaining Family Routines

Routine offers stability after chaos. Maintaining or gently adapting daily schedules can help foster healing:

Keep regular routines as much as possible—meals, school, bedtime
Be flexible if children struggle, but avoid introducing major changes or added responsibilities
Maintain your parental role—you are the emotional anchor, not relying on children for support
If the trauma is related to parents’ relationship breakdow,n try as much as you can to work together to provide routines and certainty for your child

Supporting Recovery Through Activities

Recovery extends beyond conversation—it includes play, rest, nutrition, and physical soothing activities:

Encourage playtime with familiar friends and favourite pastimes
Schedule fun, shared activities for laughter and connection
Offer small snacks regularly if appetite is disrupted
Ensure adequate sleep and physical exercise
Limit sugar and avoid overly stimulating media
Provide opportunities for relaxation—warm baths, stories, cuddles
Be ready to switch or pause an activity if it triggers anxiety

Where to Find Help

It’s okay to seek professional help if you are worried:

Start with your GP, maternal & child health nurse, or community health centre
For specialist needs, consult a paediatrician or child psychiatrist
Additional support services available include:
- Lifeline (13 11 14)
- GriefLine (1800 642 066)
- Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636)
- Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800)
- Nurse‑on‑Call (1300 60 60 24)
- Australian Parenting Website resources Better Health Channel

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long will trauma reactions last in a child?

Many children begin to feel better within a month. If symptoms persist beyond that, professional assessment is recommended.

2. What if my child isn’t talking about the event?

Some children process trauma through play or behaviour rather than words. Offer gentle prompts and patience—communication often emerges over time.

3. When should I seek help?

Be concerned if symptoms persist beyond a few weeks, increase in severity, affect daily functioning, or include self‑harm talk or major emotional distress.

4. How can I manage my own stress?

Engage in self-care, seek support from trusted friends or professionals, and model healthy coping strategies to your children.

5. Should I explain everything if my child asks detailed or scary questions?

Answer using honest but age-appropriate information. Avoid graphic details and focus on reassurance and clarity.

6. Can teenagers benefit from the same strategies as younger children?

Yes—though teenagers may rely more on peer support. Open communication, perspective-taking, and reassurance remain vital.

Conclusion

By embracing honesty, empathy, structure, and compassion, parents can guide their children toward recovery. Being consistent, providing nurturing routines, and seeking help when needed are key steps in helping families rebuild a sense of safety and normalcy.

For the full fact sheet and additional parental guidance, view the original resource here: Trauma and children – tips for parents.