Common Trauma Situations for Children and Picture Books that Help

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is often associated with adults, but children are also susceptible to its effects after experiencing traumatic events. As elementary school counselors, it’s essential to understand the impact trauma can have on children and to provide appropriate support to help them cope. Traumatic experiences can deeply affect a child’s emotional, cognitive, and social development, but with the right strategies and care, we can help them begin to heal.

Common Trauma Situations for Children

Children may experience a wide range of trauma, which can lead to PTSD. Some common traumatic situations include:

• Abuse or Neglect: Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse and neglect can create long-term emotional scars.
• Witnessing Domestic Violence: Seeing violence between family members can be deeply distressing for children.
• Loss of a Loved One: The death of a parent, sibling, or close family member can cause profound grief and trauma.
• Natural Disasters: Hurricanes, floods, wildfires, or other natural disasters can disrupt a child’s sense of safety and stability.
• Serious Accidents or Illness: A child’s involvement in a car accident, experiencing a severe illness, or witnessing a loved one’s illness can lead to trauma.
• Community Violence: Living in areas with high crime rates or witnessing a violent event in their community can lead to lasting fear and anxiety.
• Divorce or Family Separation: While common, divorce can feel like a major life disruption, particularly when it involves contentious or drawn-out separations.

Picture Books that Illustrate Coping with Stress or Trauma

Picture books can serve as valuable tools for helping children understand and process their emotions. Here are some recommendations that address themes of trauma, stress, and coping:

• • “A Terrible Thing Happened” by Margaret M. Holmes – This book tells the story of a young raccoon named Sherman who witnesses something terrible and begins to feel upset. Through therapy, Sherman learns ways to cope with his trauma.
  • “When Sadness is at Your Door” by Eva Eland – This gentle book personifies sadness as a visitor that children can interact with, helping them understand that difficult emotions are normal and manageable.
  • “The Rabbit Listened” by Cori Doerrfeld – This story follows a child who experiences loss and learns that sometimes the best way to help is simply to listen. It’s a beautiful portrayal of empathy and emotional support.
  • “Something Bad Happened: A Kid’s Guide to Coping with Events in the News” by Dawn Huebner – A straightforward guide for children dealing with news-related trauma, this book offers coping strategies for young readers who may feel anxious about global or local events.
  • “After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again” by Dan Santat – A retelling of the Humpty Dumpty story with a twist, this book deals with themes of fear, recovery, and resilience after experiencing a traumatic fall.

  Children who have experienced trauma need our support and understanding as they navigate their emotions and the world around them. By recognizing the signs of PTSD and implementing strategies to help children cope, elementary school counselors can play a vital role in their healing journey. Additionally, resources like picture books can facilitate important conversations and help children make sense of their experiences in a way that feels safe and accessible.

  By fostering a supportive, trauma-informed environment in schools, we can help students not only recover but thrive, equipped with the tools they need to manage stress and build resilience.