Age Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event - The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: By understanding how children experience traumatic events and how these children express their lingering distress over the experience, parents, physicians, communities, and schools can respond to their children and help them through this challenging time. The goal is to restore balance to these children’s lives and the lives of their families.

After A Crisis: Helping Young Children Heal - The National Child Traumatic Stress Network: Young children, toddlers, and preschoolers know when bad things happen, and they remember what they have been through. After a scary event, we often see changes in their behavior. They may cry more, become clingy and not want us to leave, have temper tantrums, hit others, have problems sleeping, become afraid of things that didn’t bother them before, and lose skills they previously mastered. Changes like these are a sign that they need help. Here are some ways you can help.

Multilingual Trauma Resources -The Child Mind Institute: When communities experience episodes of violence or face natural disasters these events are hard even for adults to comprehend. We can’t shield our children from pain and fear when they’re exposed to such tragedy. But we can help them process what they’re experiencing in the healthiest way possible. The Child Mind Institute has prepared free trauma resources to aid parents, educators, and other adults in talking to children and adolescents about potentially traumatic events and identifying those who might benefit from more focused professional attention. Our children can be more sensitive to challenges around them because of their life experience and they need our support. These resources are available in English, Spanish, French, Arabic, German, Italian, Hebrew, Chinese, Ukrainian, Russian, Polish and Bangla.

Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers - Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration: Children and youth can face emotional strains after a traumatic event such as a car crash or violence. Disasters also may leave them with long-lasting harmful effects. When children experience a trauma, watch it on TV, or overhear others discussing it, they can feel scared, confused, or anxious. Young people react to trauma differently than adults. Some may react right away; others may show signs that they are having a difficult time much later. As such, adults do not always know when a child needs help coping. This tip sheet will help parents, caregivers, and teachers learn some common reactions, respond in a helpful way, and know when to seek support.

Psychological First Aid-Adults Working with Children and Teens – NYS Office of Mental Health: No matter what the circumstances or the reactions are, it is important to provide comfort and assurance. Children and teens will need to know that they are safe and surrounded by adults who care about them. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a way to give emotional support and help to youth of any age, ethnic and cultural heritage, and social and economic background in the immediate aftermath of disaster.

Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals - Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress: Too often our children are exposed to violence that is both senseless and harmful. Many children, those living in close proximity to a tragic event, and those who will learn about the event through television, social media, or newspaper coverage, will be affected and upset. A high profile event of this magnitude can result in confusion and distress among communities across the country. Distress can result in distortion about the facts of the event. Therefore, special attention should be given when communicating with children and adolescents.

Restoring a Sense of Well-Being in Children After a Disaster - Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress: both directly and indirectly to the effects of disasters. While some will live in close proximity to an area or community directly impacted by disaster, many others will learn about it through the media or from their parents or friends. It is important for parents, caregivers, and professionals to answer children’s questions and reassure them about their safety. This document contains strategies for effective communication, safety planning and restoring a childs sense of safety.