REMEMBER!
- Listen to your child and always show that you care. Safety rituals may be developedby asking the child what helps him or her to feel safer (e.g. have a light on at night).
- Stay calm and get the child back to daily routine soon after the traumatic event (e.g going to school and bedtimes).
- Talk to your child about what happened once he/she is ready to talk. Your child may stop talking about the event and then start again. This is normal – he/she will talk in small steps about what happened. It is important that you are patient with your child and don’t push him/her to talk about everything at once.
- Do not ask leading questions. Allow the child to vocalize his/her own feelings and memories about the event.
- Encourage your child to play and give yourself time to observe him/her while playing
- Show interest in your child’s activities and progress
- Encourage your child; focus on the strengths that will boost his/her self-esteem
- Make your child feel that he/she is taken seriously and is useful in your family
NOTE:
Some children may not be used to revealing their feelings when they talk to an adult. Some
children may fear disapproval or punishment for themselves or their families if they tell certain
things. Some children may blame themselves for the events, thinking they have done something
wrong. It is important that you stay patient and supportive with your child at this stage!
This text is from SINANI KwaZulu-Natal Programme for Survivors of Violence
other info www.rapcan.org.za
Helping children