Support for Families
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Information for parent carers
Experiencing a traumatic event can be deeply distressing and every child will respond in their own way. Experiencing an event might mean they were involved directly or they may have been less directly involved but are still affected by the impact on the community and others that they know. It’s common for children to feel scared, confused, or overwhelmed in the days and weeks that follow.
This guide explains what to expect and how to support your child, and covers the following:
1. Common reactions in children
2. Top tips for parent carers
3. Where to seek help
4. Other resources and guidance
5. Supporting your own wellbeing
6. Talking to children about death
Common Reactions in Children
Many of these are normal after trauma and for most children, settle over time:
- Sleep difficulties
nightmares, trouble falling or staying asleep
- Changes in behaviour
becoming clingy, withdrawn, angry, or unusually quiet
- Physical symptoms
headaches, stomach aches, tiredness
- Heightened fear or anxiety
especially about travel, safety, or separation
- Flashbacks or intrusive thoughts
sudden memories or “replaying” the event
- Difficulty concentrating
especially at school or with routine tasks
- Mood changes
tearfulness, low mood, or emotional outbursts
Some children may seem unaffected at first but react later. Some will recover quickly, others may take longer.
Top Tips for Parents
•Reassure your child
Let them know they are safe now. Stay calm, use simple language, and be honest if they ask questions. Try not to speculate on causes of incidents where this is not known.
•Listen and Validate
Let your child talk if they want to – but don’t force it. Acknowledge their feelings: “It’s okay to feel scared after something like that.” Some children might want to write or draw as an outlet for how they are feeling and you could encourage them to tell you about what they are thinking and how they are feeling.
•Keep Routines
Maintain regular mealtimes, bedtimes, and school attendance where possible. Routine helps children feel secure.
•Limit Media Exposure
Avoid repeated exposure to news or social media coverage of the incidents.
•Be Patient
Recovery takes time. Some changes in behaviour are normal in the short term.
•Watch for Signs They Need More Help
If symptoms persist beyond what might be typical or if you are worried then please reach out to specialists as outlined below.
Where to Seek Help
Minehead Eye
Mart Road Industrial Estate, Mart Road, Minehead TA24 5BJ Tel: 01643 703155
Minehead Eye will be open to the community from 10am – 6pm Saturday 19th July & Sunday 20th July.
A quiet area of the Café as well as the Boardroom will be made available for anyone that would like to use the space. Refreshments and Emotional Support Wellbeing Practitioners will be on hand to support.
If you are seeking specialist support:
1) Mindline – 0800 138 1692
2) Somerset CAMHS Single Point of Access – 0300 1245 012
Other resources and links for support and guidance
•Somerset children & young people
Supporting Your Own Wellbeing as a Parent/Carer After Your Child Experiences Trauma
When your child goes through a traumatic event, your instinct is to focus entirely on their needs. But your wellbeing is just as important. Taking care of yourself helps you be the steady, supportive presence your child needs.
1. Acknowledge Your Own Emotions
• It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, scared, angry, or helpless.
• Give yourself permission to feel without judgment.
• Talk to someone you trust—a friend, family member, or therapist.
2. Practice Self-Compassion
• Avoid blaming yourself for what happened.
• Speak to yourself as you would to a friend in the same situation.
• Recognise that parenting through trauma is incredibly hard—and you’re doing your best.
3. Maintain Routines Where Possible
• Structure can provide a sense of stability for both you and your child.
• Keep meals, bedtimes, and daily rituals consistent.
4. Seek Professional Support
• Consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor for your own support.
• Join a support group for parents of children who’ve experienced trauma.
5. Take Breaks Without Guilt
• It’s okay to step away for a moment to breathe, rest, or do something that brings you peace.
• Even short breaks can help you recharge emotionally.
6. Stay Informed - but Set Boundaries
• Learn about trauma and recovery, but avoid overwhelming yourself with information.
• Limit exposure to distressing news or social media if it increases anxiety.
7. Connect with Others
• Isolation can intensify stress. Reach out to friends, family, or community groups.
• Let others help with practical tasks like meals, errands, or childcare.
8. Model Healthy Coping
• Children learn from how you handle stress. Show them it’s okay to ask for help and take care of yourself.
9. Celebrate Small Wins
• Acknowledge moments of progress, no matter how small.
• Recognise your resilience and your child’s.
Talking to Children about Death
Talking to children about death is delicate but deeply important. Your child/ren may have questions about what has happened and this information may help you to have these conversations in a supportive way.
How to Talk About Death
•Use clear, honest language:
Say “died” or “dead” rather than euphemisms like “gone to sleep” or “passed away,” which can confuse or frighten children.
•Be age-appropriate:
Explain simply, e.g., “When someone dies, their body stops working. They don’t feel pain anymore.”
•Let them lead:
Answer their questions as they come. It’s okay to say “I don’t know” if you’re unsure.
•Repeat and reassure:
Children may ask the same questions many times. Repetition helps them process and feel safe.
Emotional Support
•Validate feelings:
Let them know it’s okay to feel sad, angry, confused, or even relieved.
•Model emotions:
If you cry, explain why. This shows that expressing grief is normal.
•Offer comfort:
Reassure them they are safe and loved. Emphasise that death is not their fault.
Practical Tools
•Memory boxes:
Fill with photos, letters, or objects that remind them of the person who died.
•Books and stories:
Use children’s books about death to open up discussion. Titles like The Invisible String or Badger’s Parting Gifts are gentle and helpful.
Tips for You
•Prepare yourself emotionally:
If you're grieving too, it’s okay to ask for help from others or professionals.
•Keep the conversation ongoing:
Death isn’t a one-time talk. Children process grief over time and may revisit the topic months or years later.
