E103: Post Traumatic Stress or Post Traumatic Growth? You Decide

In this episode, we dive into how we can help children develop Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG) after facing adversity, rather than becoming overwhelmed by Post-Traumatic Stress. Trauma can deeply impact a child’s development, but with the right tools and environment, it can also become a catalyst for growth. Here are six steps you can take to support a child through this process:

1. Normalize Their Emotions: It’s essential to help children recognize and understand their emotions. By validating their feelings—whether it's sadness, anger, or fear—you can create a safe space where they feel understood, instead of dismissed.
2. Build a Strong Support System: Children need to know they’re not alone. Creating a network of supportive adults—parents, teachers, counselors—provides the foundation for emotional security. Therapy or trauma-informed counseling can also offer a safe outlet for their feelings.
3. Teach Coping Skills and Emotional Regulation: We discuss practical techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and even setting up a “calm down” routine to help children manage overwhelming emotions. Encouraging emotional flexibility can prepare them to face challenges with resilience.
4. Promote a Growth Mindset: It’s all about reframing the experience. Teach children that their challenges can become opportunities for growth and highlight their strengths. Focusing on their resilience can shift their perspective from victim to survivor.
5. Foster a Sense of Control and Choice: Trauma often leaves children feeling powerless. One way to counteract this is by giving them choices, no matter how small. Helping them make decisions and solve problems empowers them to feel in control of their healing journey.
6. Model and Teach Gratitude and Hope: Ending on a hopeful note, we explore how fostering gratitude and focusing on future possibilities can reframe their trauma. Encourage children to reflect on the positive aspects of their lives, building a mindset that embraces growth and hope.

By giving children these tools, we’re not just helping them heal—we’re equipping them to thrive and grow stronger through their adversity.

Resources:

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About Tammy:

Tammy Vincent, a survivor and thriver, has transformed her life from the challenges of being an adult child of two alcoholic parents. With a Masters in Education and addiction and recovery certifications, shes a beacon of hope for others on their paths to transformation. 

As a devoted mother of three grown children and a loving wife, Tammy's personal journey of healing and empowerment has led her to become a certified life coach and NLP practitioner. Her dedication to growth has been illuminated through her best-selling books, two powerful volumes that offer insights, guidance and inspiration to those seeking their own paths to healing.

Tammy’s mission is clear; to guide others out of the darkness and into becoming the best versions of themselves. Her journey, from survivor to certified life coach, NLP practitioner, speaker and author, exemplifies the incredible strength of the human spirit and the possibility of rewriting our stories from a place of empowerment and healing.