S4E2 - How Does Trauma Affect a Child Years Later?

In this episode, I answer a question from a mom whose daughter witnessed the death of her father at a very young age. Now that her daughter is older, she's wondering how that experience may still be affecting her development, emotions, and behavior. I explain how children remember traumatic events differently than adults do, why early experiences can continue to influence a child years later, and how healing often unfolds in stages as children mature and gain the ability to understand their experiences in new ways. I also share practical ways parents can support children who are processing grief, loss, or trauma. As children grow, they often revisit difficult experiences with new questions and deeper understanding. By providing a safe space for emotions, answering questions honestly, and responding with empathy rather than assumptions, parents can help their children continue to heal and grow. This episode offers encouragement for families navigating loss and reassurance that children can develop resilience, confidence, and hope even after experiencing profound hardship. Ask Me Questions: Call (813) 812-5525, or email: brenna@thekidcounselor.com My New Book! Parent Companion for Play Therapy: Want to go deeper into the concepts I discuss in this Podcast? Check out Parent Companion for Play Therapy, created to help parents better understand their child, the play therapy process, and how lasting emotional growth takes place. https://www.amazon.com/Parent-Companion-Play-Therapy-Understanding/dp/B0H2D98F18/ My First Book: Device Detox: A Parent's Guide To Reducing Usage, Preventing Tantrums, And Raising Happier Kids https://a.co/d/bThnKH9 Podcast HQ: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/ My Newsletter Signup: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/newsletter/ My Podcast Partner, Gabb Wireless: https://www.playtherapyparenting.com/gabb/ Common References: Landreth, G.L. (2023). Play Therapy: The Art of the Relationship (4th ed.). Routledge. Landreth, G.L., & Bratton, S.C. (2019). Child-Parent Relationship Therapy (CPRT): An Evidence-Based 10-Session Filial Therapy Model (2nd ed.). Routledge.