insignificant. They are reminders that children can experience positive emotions even while processing difficult events.
There is no single correct way for a child to react after a frightening experience.
Adults should avoid interpreting every behavior as evidence of a particular emotional state. A quiet child is not necessarily unaffected, and a child who appears cheerful is not necessarily ready to discuss everything that happened.
The most helpful response is to offer patience, stability, and support without demanding that the child behave according to other people’s expectations.
Healing Does Not
Happen on a Schedule
One common misconception about trauma is that physical safety should lead to rapid emotional recovery. In reality, the process may involve progress, setbacks, and unexpected changes.
A child may sleep comfortably for several nights and then begin experiencing nightmares. They may initially want to discuss their experience before deciding that they would rather not talk. They may seek reassurance from a parent one day and become frustrated by constant attention the next.
