Children and Trauma: Equipping Parents and Caregivers

Children can experience trauma from a variety of experiences, includingneglect,physical, sexual, or psychological abuse,death of a loved one,bullying, racial trauma, and more.Traumaoccurs when children areexposed to an experience perceived as threatening or harmful andrespond withintense fearthat affects them physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

AuthorsJustin and Lindsey Holcombhelp parents and caregiversrecognize the signs of trauma andguide them insteppinginto childrens lives and demonstratingJesusscareandprotection forthem.Thecompassionate and helpfulresponse of parents or caregivers canhelpchildren who have experienced traumato access spiritual, emotional, and physical healing.

Helping children feelconnected and loved, giving themopportunities toexpress what theyre feeling,providingany necessary professional care, andbeing patient withbehavioral outbursts will all go a long waytoward helping childrenheal.Knowing that God sees, cares for, and understands their suffering will help a traumatized child move forward in their healing. Reminding them that one day all pain and suffering will cease can help turn their minds away from anxietyabout future trauma and toward promised future peace and joy.