How Children React to Trauma Children’s reactions to trauma can
be immediate. Reactions may also appear much later. Reactions
differ in severity. They also cover a range of behaviors. People
from different cultures may have their own ways of reacting.
Other reactions vary according to age. One common response is
loss of trust. Another is fear of the event reoccurring. Some
children are more vulnerable to traumas. Children with mental
health problems may be more affected. Children with experience
of other traumas may be more affected. Children Age 5 and Under
Children under five can react in a number of ways: - Facial
expressions of fear - Clinging to parent or caregiver - Crying
or screaming - Whimpering or trembling - Moving aimlessly -
Becoming immobile - Returning to behaviors common to being
younger - Thumb sucking - Being afraid of the dark. Young
children’s reactions are strongly influenced by parent reactions
to the event. Children Age 6 to 11 Children in this range may: -
Isolate themselves - Become q