Helping Kids with Trauma Succeed At School

Those early school years, when children ages 6 to 12 are transitioning from a caregiving environment to an educational environment, are challenging from a child development standpoint. Children are learning academic skills, socialization (how to get along with others), and structure and boundaries (how to follow rules). Perhaps for the first time, they are also being influenced by adults other than their own parents. Primary or elementary school is a time to find out how people are different in so many ways: race, ethnicity, gender, physical abilities, culture, upbringing, values, etc. A child’s self-esteem develops based on academic and social successes or failures. Adult expectations for responsible behaviors increase as children are expected to need less adult interactions to maintain established routines at home and school. The adult world looks upon this transition from home to school as a natural part of what it takes to grow into a competent, capable, responsible adult. It is a time to learn what to do and how to do it. Most children make the transition easily, get into alignment with learning and do what is expected of them with the usual glitches or hiccups along the way. This is normal in the world of child development. Children of Trauma React Differently For other children, those who have undergone some sort of trauma in their lives, the transition is a nightmare — not only for them, but also for their caregivers and parents. Trauma for these child...
Source: World of Psychology - Category: Psychiatrists and Psychologists Authors: Tags: Children and Teens General Parenting PTSD YourTango childhood Deborah Chelette-Wilson Developmental psychology High School Hyperactivity Learning Learning Curve Play Psychological Trauma Source Type: blogs