Parental Mitigation of Childhood Trauma: Expert Ideas and Resources for Parents
It is still the case that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. We are now experiencing the worst health crisis in American that we have experienced in over 100 years.
Since it is too early to tell the longer-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children, we can still extrapolate from past trauma. Reasonable recommendations for children and teens in coping with the pandemic can be made.
Worst Crisis in 100 Years
The pandemic will impact children in many different ways depending upon their circumstances. When parents die, become very sick or suffer severe economic hardships, children suffer. Children may experience trauma due to loss of security, loss of a parent or separation from caregivers for security, routine by quarantine or illness (Douglas, et al., 2009).
When stressed, younger children often exhibit regressive behaviors. This could include nocturnal enuresis (bed wetting), thumb sucking or clinging behavior, headaches, sleep problems, nightmares, digestive problems, or loss of appetite. Any combination or all of these regressive or stressed behaviors might be observed.
The impact on older children could in some respects be similar. But more often social withdrawal, nightmares, difficulties with attention and concentration and aggressive outbursts (even seemingly unprovoked) can be seen.
Teens sometimes show symptoms of depression. Isolation is a troublesome sign. Problems relating to peers complicated by social media is also a possibility for parents to keep a close watch. Sleep problems are often seen in this population.
Comforted Child
The stress of parents can also complicate matters. We know many parents are stressed due to marked changes in routine, being cooped up, loss of income, and health difficulties arising from the pandemic.
Parents under the greatest stress may exhibit more harsh or punitive parenting. We know that domestic violence and child abuse increases during periods of marked parental stress.
Ways to Ease or Relieve the Trauma
There are numerous ways to ease trauma for children and parents alike (see previous blog articles.)
Movement is a helpful way to metabolize the trauma response. One of my clients dances briefly in her house with her children to reduce stress. Walking around the neighborhood, doing a few push-ups, playing an active video game an others can be helpful to dissipate the trauma response in the body (Van der Kolk, B. A., 2014).
Association to a Peer Group. One of the best predictors of positive outcomes after disasters is connection to a peer group. Even positive online- connections can be very helpful.
Methods of Coping with Disappointment. Many important activities are being cancelled. Summer camp, graduation exercises, sporting events, team sports, etc. are being cancelled. Being empathic for kids and teens is critical. Offer them outlets such as drawing or journaling. Uplifting music can be very helpful
Reading. Here is a free downloadable book for kids on COVID-19. Coronavirus: A Book for Children. https://stayhome.candlewick.com/
Child Trauma Resources can be found here: https://www.nctsn.org/resources
RETURN HOME HERE
References
• Douglas, P.K., Douglas, D.B., Harrigan, D.C., & Douglas, K.M. (2009). Preparing for pandemic influenza and its aftermath: mental health issues considered. International journal of emergency mental health, 11 3, 137-44.
• Van der Kolk, B. A. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking, 2014.