Trauma Informed Parent is an educational page offering information, resources and perspective for parents and caregivers of children, teens and young adults who have experienced trauma or adverse childhood experiences. The page is solely informational and intended to offer a forum for education and connection.
What is a T.I.P?
At the age of 5, “Lauren’s” son survived a traumatizing car crash that left him both physically and emotionally scarred. Ten years later, Lauren finds her son continuing to grapple with the emotional residue. He is prone to severe anxiety, prolonged loss of concentration and depression. After a visit to the dentist for a minor toothache, Lauren’s son was sent home with a prescription for Vicodin, a powerful narcotic pain reliever with an extremely high risk for abuse. Lauren stepped in to inform the dentist of her son’s trauma history. Victims of trauma or adverse childhood experiences, particularly teenagers whose brains are not fully developed, are at high risk for substance abuse; a correlation too few medical professionals inquire about when prescribing painkillers. Lauren informed the dentist of her son’s history and asked that something less addictive or over the counter be offered instead. THIS IS BEING A TRAUMA INFORMED PARENT.
WHAT IS PTSD?
While a traumatic experience does not always lead to a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, it helps to know the official diagnostic criteria for PTSD
HOW DOES CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AFFECT HEALTH?
“The single most important thing we need today is the courage to look this problem in the face and say, this is real, this is all of us.” – Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
WHAT IS BRAIN HEALTH?
A Healthy Brain is a product of both genetic and environmental influences. With a deeper appreciation of brain health, we can better understand trauma and how to prevent many of its causes.
HELPING CHILDREN HEAL
“The more healthy relationships a child has, the more likely he will be to recover from trauma and thrive. Relationships are the agents of change and the most powerful therapy is human love.” – Dr. Bruce Perry
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Resources
Check out some other sources of information regarding trauma: