Speaking about psychologically traumatic events is as difficult for children as it is for adults. If you think that your child has been affected by a negative life event (whether traumatic or not), we have some suggestions to help you when communicating with your child.
What can you do?
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Approach sincerely with love and compassion
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Let your child know that what happened is not your child's fault
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If the subject is sensitive, prefer to speak in a quiet environment where your conversation will not be interrupted, sit side by side during the conversation, without too much distance or things (such as a table) between you
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She may not always be able to express herself by speaking. In such a situation, encourage him to tell by writing or painting
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Let him feel sad and unhappy. If the traumatic event is an ongoing process (for example, a pandemic), your child may not be able to make sense of the new information that comes constantly about the event. Protect and keep your child away from repetitive and unhealthy information.
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If she has trouble sleeping, you can let her sleep with the light for a while and stay in her room until she falls asleep. There may be sleep disturbances and fears.
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A post-traumatic event may impair the sense of control. You can allow your child to make decisions in daily life to regain their sense of control (eg, what to have for dinner, choosing clothes or shoes).
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Continue with your pre-event routines. (Like reading a book before bedtime, eating together, movie nights, playing games)
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When you feel helpless, think you can't handle it, or if you observe intense behavioral and/or emotional changes in your child, consult a specialist. consult.
What should you not do?
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Expect your child to be strong and brave mine It is normal to be sad and unhappy after a negative life event.
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Do not discuss the subject with your child, do not force your child to talk, do not ask guiding questions or to satisfy your curiosity.
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If you need to tell others what happened, tell your child. Like, ‘I need to share this incident with your teacher because … ?’
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When your child is experiencing intense emotions, do not get angry, do not start crying or shouting exaggeratedly. Parents' reactions to the traumatic event have powerful effects on children. Exaggerated responses can increase your child's stress level.
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Do not overreact to unusual behaviors such as night-wetting and thumb sucking by getting angry or very upset.
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