Children often show an amazing ability to rebound after a traumatic event. But this is dependent upon how the child feels about their environment afterwards. If the child is made to feel safe and secure after the event, the recovery may be quick. If the child is feels that he/she is not safe, that the event may re-occur or may occur to them, then recovery may not occur for weeks, months or even years.

Helping a Child to cope with Emotional Trauma

- Provide reassurance that the child is safe and you will protect him or her.
- Hold, hug, and touch your child often.
- Explore your child's perceptions of the event. Correct misinterpretations and answer questions.
- Be honest and give accurate information but don't give more information than your child wants. Give information he or she can understand.
- Be more tolerant of unusual behavior.
- Spend extra time with your child at bedtime.
- Help your child to identify, label and express feelings. Let your child know these feelings are normal and that you'll help with them. Model honesty about feelings by describing your own, at a comfortable level for the child.
- Watch for, and correct self-blame by your child. Children tend to blame themselves for all that happens around them. Make sure your child understands that what happened was not his or her fault.
- Allow your child to mourn or grieve over their loss, whether it is a toy, their home, etc.

If symptoms do not decrease in severity over a few weeks, or if your child was exposed to actual or potential violence, loss, or serious injury, consider consulting a mental health professional who works with children with these types of concerns.