TLC
A program of
Children's Home of Detroit

The National Institute for
Trauma and Loss in Children
900 Cook Road • Grosse Pointe Woods • MI 48236 • 313-885-0390 • 877-306-5256

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For Parents

 

What NOT to Do

By Dr. William Steele, Director
The National Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children

  • DO NOT try to rush children’s return to the way they were before the trauma. It takes time.
  • DO NOT minimize or ridicule any of their behaviors.
  • DO NOT stop them from talking about what happened even if they tell the same story over and over. Repeating the story is the way they learn not to be afraid again.
  • DO NOT ignore changes in behavior, especially those that are potentially dangerous - consult a trauma specialist.
  • DO NOT personalize their reactions. Often their reactions are related to their terror, not to you, even though it may seem as if they are blaming, attacking, or ignoring you.
  • DO NOT introduce any major changes in their life for the first six to eight weeks following their experience.
  • DO NOT hesitate to consult with a trauma specialist about any of your concerns.
  • DO NOT avoid learning all you can about children and trauma, even though it will seem at times that it would be better to just forget it, avoid it, or not talk about it.

Remember, your child is doing the best he/she can to survive.

Be Protective

Be Patient

Be Nurturing

Be Consistent

Be Informed

The more informed you are as a parent about what trauma is and what you can do,
the more likely you will be able to do what is best for your child.