I had the opportunity to attend the 23rd Annual Trauma Conference in Boston. Here are a few takeaways:
- Play is a child’s right, not a privilege earned.
- The experience of trauma is subjective and developmentally bound. What is traumatizing to one person may not be to another person. An event that could be traumatizing to a 3 year old may not be to a 10 year old. Their support system and other factors also play a role.
- Chair Yoga Rocks!
- Kid’s brains and bodies are amazing at survival. If they are in a stressful environment, skills that normally would be developed unfortunately will be de-emphasized to keep living.
- 5 minute "mental vacations" are a great skill to learn for kids and adults.
- Helping caregivers become “feeling detectives” will go a long way in understanding youth’s behaviors and communication.
- Sports and play allow families (and children and their caregivers) to have positive experiences with each other when they have had very hard things happen to them. These good memories will help them continue through therapy.
RR
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