How to Help Children Cope With Trauma

Make your child feel safe.
Offer extra affection and physical reassurance, which helps children of all ages feel secure after a frightening event.

Act calm.
Children look to adults for cues, so manage your anxiety and speak in a steady, reassuring tone.

Maintain routines.
Keep regular meals, bedtimes, and family rules to provide stability, even if you must create new routines. 

Encourage play and activities.
Fun and social time help restore a sense of normalcy and provide healthy distraction. 

Share simple, honest information.
Explain what happened briefly and truthfully and invite questions without assuming what they’re worried about. 

Choose good moments to talk.
Use natural opportunities when your child seems ready to open up. 

Limit news exposure.
Repeated media coverage can make events feel ongoing, especially for younger children. 

Respect different coping styles.
Some children seek company while others prefer solitude; reassure them that all feelings are normal. 

Listen without lecturing.
Focus on understanding their perspective and let them know they can share their feelings anytime. 

Practice calming breathing.
Teach slow, deep belly breathing to help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. 

Acknowledge their feelings.
Validate worries or sadness without dismissing them. 

It’s okay to say “I don’t know.”
Being present, honest, and supportive matters more than having all the answers.