Children are impacted by trauma in a myriad of ways. The National Association of School Psychologists provides guidance in supporting students who are experiencing trauma.

What to do: Adults can help reestablish security and stability for these children in a number of ways.

• Recognize and be sensitive to the fact that problem behaviors can be the manifestation of trauma-related anxiety
  
  
• Help children manage their feelings by teaching and modeling effective coping strategies
  
  
• Answer children's questions related to the traumatic event(s) in honest, developmentally appropriate language and terms
  
  
• Create clear and concrete safety plans with the child
  
  
• Engage them in activities that stimulate the mind and body
  
  
• Expand their "feelings" vocabulary so they can more easily express themselves
  
  
• Promote family activities to bring them closer to the ones they love 
  • Maintain usual routines
    
    
• Watch for changes in behaviors
  
  
• Allow children to tell the story of the trauma they experienced, as they see it, so they can begin to release their emotions and make sense of what happened
  
  
• Respond calmly and compassionately, but without displaying shock or judgment
  • Reassure children that the adults in their life are working to keep them safe
    
    
  • Set boundaries and limits with consistency and patience
    
    
• Remind them repeatedly how much you care for them
  
  
• Give them choices to regain a sense of control
  
  
• Encourage and support them
  
  
• Anticipate challenging times or situations that may be reminders of the event and provide additional support
  
  
• Provide children who are acting out with opportunities to redirect their energy in a helpful way such as giving them additional responsibilities or leadership roles