Imagine a child who has experienced trauma, living in a chaotic home where they never feel truly safe. This child often feels like they're walking on eggshells, always bracing for something to go wrong. Their little heart races at the slightest sound, and their body feels tense all the time, ready to fight or run away. This constant state of alertness means they never really relax or feel at ease.
What It's Like for the Child
Always on Edge: They feel like danger is around every corner. It's hard for them to trust anyone because they're so used to things being unpredictable and scary.
Constant Anxiety: There's a knot in their stomach that never seems to go away. They might feel scared or nervous even when there's nothing obvious to be afraid of.
Struggles with Emotions: Their feelings can be really big and overwhelming. They might burst into tears or get really angry over things that seem small because their emotions are always so close to the surface.
How This Affects Their Ability to Cope
Their "window of tolerance" – the range of emotions they can handle without feeling overwhelmed – is very small.
Easily Overwhelmed: Even little things can push them over the edge. A change in routine, a loud noise, or a disagreement with another child can make them feel like they can't cope.
Few Coping Strategies: They haven't had the chance to learn ways to calm down or handle stress. This makes it hard for them to bring themselves back to a calm state when they're upset.
Frequent Ups and Downs: Because they're so easily overwhelmed, they spend a lot of time feeling either really upset or completely shut down.
Challenges at Kindergarten
Hard to Play: Play is supposed to be fun and carefree, but for them, it's hard to let their guard down and join in. They might watch from the sidelines, unsure how to jump in.
Social Struggles: Making friends is tough. They might get into fights easily because they're so quick to feel threatened, or they might pull away from other kids because they don't know how to connect.
Trouble Focusing: It's hard to pay attention to storytime or follow instructions when they're always on high alert. Their mind is too busy worrying about staying safe.
Feeling Alone: Other kids might not understand why they act the way they do, leading to misunderstandings and loneliness. They might feel like they're on the outside looking in.
Behavioural Issues: All this stress and anxiety can lead to acting out. They might have tantrums or refuse to do what they're told, which can be frustrating for teachers and confusing for the child.
How to Help
Create Safety: Make the kindergarten a safe haven. Keep routines consistent and transitions smooth. Show them that this is a place where they can feel secure.
Build Trust: Take the time to build a loving, supportive relationship. Be patient and understanding. Show them that you care and that they can rely on you.
Teach Calmness: Help them learn ways to calm down, like deep breathing, sensory play, or mindfulness activities. Show them that it's okay to feel their emotions and that there are ways to manage them.
Foster Friendships: Help them connect with other kids in gentle, structured ways. Facilitate games and activities that make socialising a bit easier.
Provide One-on-One Support: Sometimes they might need a little extra help navigating the day. Be there to offer a helping hand or a comforting word when things get tough.
By understanding and responding to their needs with compassion and patience, we can help these children find a sense of peace and belonging in the kindergarten environment.
If you want to learn more about how to support children who have experienced trauma, join us for our upcoming webinar on reducing the impact of trauma. We'll brainstorm strategies to engage the parasympathetic nervous system and build stronger attachments.
Date: Saturday, July 20th
Time: 9:00 AM
Duration: 1 hour
Location: Online (Link will be provided upon registration)
What You Will Learn:
Understanding Trauma: Gain insights into how trauma affects child development and behavior.
Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System: Learn techniques to help children regulate their emotions and responses to stress.
Sensory Strategies: Explore sensory play activities that support emotional and physiological regulation.
Implementing PNS Strategies: Practical steps to incorporate these methods into daily routines, enhancing the well-being and resilience of children.
Who Should Attend:
This webinar is ideal for educators, early childhood professionals, therapists, and parents seeking to understand and implement trauma-informed practices in their environments.
Registration:
Secure your spot here today and start making a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
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