Parenting is a journey of love and learning, but for children who have experienced trauma, it requires extra care to create a safe and supportive home.
At Happy Minds Psychology, our Geelong psychologists specialise in trauma informed parenting, helping families foster mental health and resilience. Trauma can shape a child’s world, from past hardships to ongoing challenges, and parents play a vital role in building stability.
Our team offers practical strategies to help you nurture your child’s wellbeing, creating a home where they feel secure.
Here’s how to embrace trauma informed parenting for a stronger, more connected family.
1. Create Predictable Routines
Children with trauma backgrounds thrive on consistency. A regular bedtime, mealtime, or play schedule signals safety to their nervous system. Start with one routine, like a nightly story, and stick with it daily. This predictability supports emotional stability, helping your child feel grounded. Over time, these small anchors strengthen their mental health and your family’s sense of security.
2. Listen with Patience
Your child might express big emotions, anger, fear, or silence, due to past trauma. Give them your full attention without rushing to fix things. Sit with them, nod, or offer a gentle, “I’m here.” This patient listening fosters trust, a cornerstone of trauma informed parenting. Practise this daily, even for five minutes, to build their resilience and deepen your connection.
3. Use Calm Responses
When emotions flare, a calm response soothes your child’s stress. Take a slow breath and speak softly, “Let’s sort this out together.” Our psychologists find this steadiness helps children feel safe, reducing overwhelm. Try responding calmly in one tough moment each day; it models emotional resilience and supports your child’s mental wellbeing over time.
4. Build a Safe Space
A physical or emotional safe space, a cozy corner or a quiet hug, helps your child feel protected. Let them choose what feels comforting, like a blanket or a favourite toy. This space reinforces security, vital for trauma recovery. Set it up once and use it daily to nurture their mental health and create a supportive home environment.
5. Honour Their Feelings
Trauma can make emotions feel big or scary. Acknowledge your child’s feelings without judgement: “It’s okay to feel upset.” This validation, central to trauma informed parenting, builds their self worth. Practise naming one emotion they show each day, like sadness or joy, to help them process and strengthen their emotional resilience.
6. Encourage Small Choices
Giving your child control, even in tiny ways, counters trauma’s powerlessness. Offer choices like, “Apple or banana?” or “Read now or after dinner?” These decisions foster confidence and agency. Start with one choice daily to support their mental wellbeing, helping them feel empowered in a safe, supportive home.
7. Practise Self Care
Parenting a child with trauma can be draining, so nurture your own mental health. Take five minutes for a walk, a stretch, or a quiet coffee. This self care stabilises your energy, letting you parent with patience. Choose one daily ritual to maintain your resilience, ensuring you’re strong for yourself and your child.
8. Seek Support When Needed
Raising a child with trauma can feel heavy, and reaching out is a strength. Share with a trusted friend or family member to lighten the load. If challenges persist, professional guidance offers tools to navigate emotions and build a supportive home. A single conversation can provide strategies to enhance your family’s mental health, fostering resilience for you and your child.
A Safe Home for Healing
Trauma informed parenting is about creating a home where your child feels safe and loved, one intentional step at a time. It’s not about perfection but building resilience and connection through small, consistent acts. At Happy Minds Psychology, our team is dedicated to supporting you with strategies that honour your family’s unique journey.
Whether you’re navigating tough moments or fostering growth, our psychologists are ready to listen and guide you.