Helping a Child Recover from Past Trauma — Matthew Teeple
Any time a child experiences a traumatic event in their lives, they will carry on some of that trauma with them into adulthood, especially when no healthy intervention is made.
According to Matthew Teeple, children who are traumatized by a past event, the environments at their home, or by the harmful actions of another individual, often display signs of fear, anxiety, depression, and isolation, which indicate PTSD.
If the child is provided with the proper health and resources during that sensitive time of their lives, the chances of making a complete recovery are quite high.
However, if the child is left to carry on that trauma into adulthood, it might permanently shape their social behavior, perspective, and personality for the worse.
Keep reading below to learn more about how adults, teachers, or parents can help a child recover from past trauma.
The Top Four Ways to Help a Suffering Child Recover from a Past
Traumatic Experience as Per Matthew Teeple
Although most children shy away from expressing their fears and traumas to a grownup, an adult’s focused observation and attention will often help uncover the signs of a suffering child.
According to Matthew Teeple, many children are hesitant about naming their attacker or sharing a hurtful event due to fear of being blamed and scolded by the adults around them.
However, as soon as an adult is able to identify signs of trauma, it becomes their utmost duty to take the necessary action to help the child recover from their haunting past.
Some of the ways an adult can help a child recover from their past trauma are as follows:
Create a Relationship of Trust and Understanding with the Child
Even if you are the suffering child’s parent, do not assume that you have a strong enough relationship with the child just because you have birthed them.
Instead, Matthew Teeplesuggests that real relationships, built on mutual trust and understanding, can take years of effort to develop.
Hence, if you can notice the signs of depression or trauma in your child, focus on creating a deep relationship with your child so that they feel comfortable about sharing their vulnerabilities with you.
Create a Safe Space Where the Child Can be Vulnerable Without Fear of Repercussions
Even if your child or student trusts you to understand them, they will not necessarily share a traumatic event for fear of being misjudged or even harmed by their previous attacker.
Hence, in order to encourage the child to share their painful experiences with you, focus on creating an environment that feels safe and calming to the child.
Share a Similar Story or a Life Event with the Child
At times, the best way to help a suffering child is to share a similar story or life experience with them. Once they understand how you, too, suffered the way they did and that you eventually won the fight against your inner demons, the relatability will help them recover from their own trauma.
Help the Child Connect with the Necessary Professional Help
Finally, it is important to involve the necessary professional help of a psychologist or child therapist to ensure that the child gets all the resources and tools they need to make a full recovery.
Final Thoughts by Matthew Teeple
Although most parents believe that they have their child well-protected from bullies, sexual harassers, or other dangerous individuals, they are usually shocked to learn about the kind of trauma a child could be bottling inside.
At times, the signs of a child suffering from PTSD are not easily apparent; however, they are powerful enough to permanently alter the child’s behavior and personality.
Hence, according to Matthew Teeple, every adult or guardian of a fearful or anxious child should try whatever it takes to uncover the child’s trauma in order to help them make a full recovery.
