It's Okay to Ask for Help

If your child is going through a difficult time, they need your support more than ever before. They may be experiencing a wide range of emotions, from feelings of fear and sadness to anger and depression. And if you enroll them in a trauma treatment program, you can also provide comfort and support from home.

Here are some tips to help you support your child during trauma treatment.

Allow Time and Space for Healing

When a child goes through a traumatic event or experience, it can be a challenging and long journey toward healing.

One thing you can do during this process is to give your child the time and space that they need to heal. Allowing a child to move through the healing process at their own pace and giving them the space to do so can help build trust and facilitate comfort.

The healing process can take time, and a parent's role in this time is to support and encourage their child's emotional journey rather than trying to rush or push them through it.

In addition, allowing children time and space to heal can help prevent re-traumatization. Kids who feel rushed or pressured to "get over" their trauma or feel that they are not supported in their emotions or struggles may feel more isolated or alone — which can lead to further trauma.

By providing children the space to move through their emotions and providing support, parents can help avoid the potential for being triggered or re-traumatized. Ultimately, this approach empowers the child to emerge on the other side with newfound resilience and strength.

Make Time for Fun Activities Together

During times of healing, children need to feel safe and secure. One way to help foster this security is to engage in fun activities together.

These activities don't need to be expensive or overly complicated — simple outings, playing games, watching movies, and eating meals together can all be opportunities for connection and healing.

Making time for fun activities also helps reestablish a sense of normalcy in the home. It allows you to show your child you're available, supportive, and resilient. And it can help them to reestablish the joy they may have lost during their trauma.

Such a simple act can have a profound effect — it lets your child know that despite their struggles, there's still a safe space for joy and fun in their life. They may even start to look forward to these activities and, over time, can help foster a sense of emotional healing.

For more information about trauma treatment for youth, contact a local treatment center.