Traumatic Experiences
Traumatic experiences like poverty or hunger can hold back children in critical ways. Caring adults hold the power to help.
Tips on How Adults Can Help Children Can Overcome Traumatic Experiences
When a child experiences trauma, it can affect them in many ways. Caring grown-ups can help lessen the effects of trauma and help children know they’re not alone.
The more you know about the effects of traumatic experiences, the more of a difference you can make in children’s lives. These resources are here to help you offer hope and healing to kids and families.
What Are Traumatic Experiences?
You have the power to help kids feel safe and learn to cope.
Abby’s Broken Wand
A storybook featuring strategies to help children cope with big feelings.
Play Comfy-Cozy Nest
By “helping” Big Bird practice an important coping strategy, kids can explore and rehearse it themselves.
Color Big Bird’s Nest
The smallest, simplest things—like coloring together—provide the best opportunities for quiet bonding, conversation, relaxation, collaboration, and praise.
Coping with the Trauma of Resettling
Giving yourself a hug is one coping strategy that can help children rebuild a sense of safety.
Estos materiales están disponibles en Español. ¡Déles un vistazo!
Age Group
Language
Resource Type
Activity Length
Sort By
Helping Children Make Meaning After Trauma with Chandra Ghosh Ippen
Learn how young children experience trauma and what can help with Sesame Workshop’s Tara Wright, and clinical psychologist and author Chandra Ghosh Ippen.
Abby’s Broken Wand
A storybook featuring strategies to help children cope with big feelings.
It’s Not Easy Being Green
A song about being ourselves.
Feeling Safe
In order for healing to begin, it’s critical that kids feel protected and safe.
Creating Feelings of Strength and Confidence
A focused movement activity that builds confidence and a sense of groundedness.
Slow Down & Settle Down
Parents and children can share ways they calm and soothe themselves. This video provides more self-care ideas.
Learning How to Count, Breathe, Relax
Small things can set kids off, but you can teach them a self-soothing breathing exercise for them to use on their own.
Let’s Play: A Children’s Activity Book
Movement games, drawing activities and a storybook for children in crisis.
Let’s Help: A Guide for Grown-Ups Helping Children Through the Toughest Times
An activity guide for volunteers and staff supporting children through crisis.
Discover more resources for parents, caregivers, and providers.
Calming Strategies
Little ones need lots of help from caring adults to grow and thrive. We offer calming strategies on comforting and providing nurturing touch, all of which are required for healthy brain development!
Foster Care
As an adult involved in foster care, you have a big job: rebuilding family structures and children’s sense of safety and personal stability.
Children’s Feelings
When you help children to understand and express their emotions, you help them grow and thrive.
