Helping Children Cope With Trauma: 8 Important Steps

Unfortunately, daily news and headlines are filled with tragedy, disasters and violence. Despite our best efforts, we can’t always spare children from hearing about or experiencing tragedy. Yet those of us who minister to kids can have a huge impact in helping children cope with trauma and grief.

Tough circumstances are hard to watch and hard to deal with, even for adults. Because we can’t completely shield children from being exposed to tragic events, we need to be proactive in helping them process their thoughts and emotions.

How should we be helping children cope with trauma? I’m by no means an expert in this area, but I’ve learned a few things along the way. (Of course, always use the lens of “age-appropriateness” with each of these tips.) Read More