Children and Trauma: A Guide For Parents and Professionals

Every parent worries that harm might come to his or her child. And even if the child comes through an incident physically unscathed, parents are still concerned about the emotional toll. More often than not, when a child has experienced trauma, all that feels normal, good, and secure about life is derailed. Childhood traumas range widely in their severity and impact. A car accident, an earthquake or flood, being attacked by a dog, undergoing a frightening medical treatment, having lunch at McDonald’s during a robbery – all are distinctly different events yet all provoke common symptoms of psychological trauma. These may include nightmares, fears about leaving home or abandonment, and newfound fears (dogs, for example, if the child was attacked by a dog). Sometimes there are less obvious underlying problems, such as a general depression or suicidal thoughts. Regardless, the entire family is affected by the child’s pain and anxiety. In the wake of such traumas, the territory of everyday life can be unfamiliar and frightening – not only for the child but for the parents as well. Fear for one’s child and a sense of loss for all that was “normal”, coupled with self-blame and a feeling of failure, can temporarily disrupt the parents’ sense of security. Children and Trauma teaches parents about the effects of trauma and offers a blueprint for restoring a child’s sense of safety and balance. Cynthia Monahon, a clinical child psychologist, presents a tangible plan for parents who find themselves in the midst of such a crisis. Further, she describes in detail the warning signs that a child needs professional help. Monahon’s straightforward, comforting style, coupled with case studies from her ownpractice, offer hope and reassurance for parents who are helping their children cope with trauma.