5 Tips for Parenting Kids with PTSD

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5 Tips for Caring for Kids Experiencing PTSD

Have you heard of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? It’s a mental health condition that can develop in response to highly stressful, traumatic events.

Below is a basic overview of the symptoms of PTSD:

Symptoms of PTSD

As parents, it’s critical we know how to support children experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and create an environment where they can feel safe and heal.

Recognizing Behavior Stemming from PTSD

Trauma affects children’s bodies, brains, emotions, and behavior. And each child is different based on age, history, and unique personal characteristics. For example, toddlers may be clingy, middle schoolers may withdraw, and teenagers may react with aggression.

Learn More: Parenting Children with Trauma Factsheet

5 Tips to Help You Care for Kids with PTSD

1 - Identify trauma triggers

Identify trauma triggers.

Your actions, words, or even an item in your home may trigger traumatic memories. Pay attention to what distracts or scares your child or emotions that don’t seem to fit a situation.

2 - Be present

Be present.

Offer encouragement, reassurance, and attention in whatever way your child needs at the moment. If they want to talk about their experience, be available to listen.

3 - Control your emotions

Control your emotions.

When your child escalates, remain calm, lower your voice and listen. Don’t take their behavior personally or use physical punishment.

4 - Create consistency

Create consistency.

Regular routines are vital to helping children feel stable and secure.

5 - Encourage and empower

Encourage and empower.

Create positive experiences to boost self-esteem, teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and allow age-appropriate choices to help your child feel in control.

Do you have a child who struggles with PTSD?

Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) provides a wide range of wraparound mental health services designed to help kids heal. Contact us online to get a child support today.

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