Posted September, 2001

The Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Prevention Resource Center lists symptoms that a child might exhibit after exposure to trauma, and what you can do to help the child.

After exposure to trauma, such as violence, death, accidents, or natural disasters, children are likely to show signs of stress. These reactions are normal and usually will not last long. Whether a child was involved directly, through proximity, or a parent’s involvement, or was a second-hand witness via the media, friends or family, they are likely to exhibit some of the following symptoms:

• Regression: returning to earlier behaviors that had been outgrown


• Nightmares and night terrors


• Clinging to parents, fear of strangers


• Outbursts and tantrums; irritability


• "Fragile" feelings: hurt easily, quicker than usual to cry


• Nervous behavior, worry


• Withdrawal and isolation


• Suppression of emotion


• Physical complaints: headaches, stomach aches


• Changes in eating or sleeping behavior


• Bedwetting or thumbsucking


• Excessive fear of darkness, separation, or being alone

If symptoms do not decrease over a few weeks, or if your child was exposed to actual or potential violence, loss or serious injury, consider consulting a mental health professional who is specially trained in working with children.

• Provide reassurance that the child is safe and you are together and will protect him or her.


• Hold, hug, or touch your child often.


• Explore your child’s perceptions of the event. Correct misinterpretations and answer questions.


• Be honest and give accurate information but don’t give more information than your child wants. Give information he or she can understand.


• Be more tolerant of unusual behavior.


• Spend extra time with your child at bedtime.


• Help your child to identify, label and express feelings. Let your child know these feelings are normal and that you’ll help with them. Model honesty about feelings by describing your own, at a level that is comfortable for the child.


• Watch for, and correct self-blame by your child. Children tend to blame themselves for all that happens around them. Make sure your child understands that what happened was not his or her fault.


• Allow your child to mourn or grieve over their loss, whether it is a toy, their home, etc.