What can I do if a child feels unwell after an incident (like violence)?
Based on material from
The Icelandic Red Cross' trauma team
for children and teenagers.
The best thing you can do is have an honest and open discussion with the child.
Ask the child what they know about the event and if they have any specific questions.
Link words to the child's feelings: anxiety, fear, worry, restlessness, sadness, and powerlessness.
Be an active listener.
Be an active listener.
Let their questions guide the conversation.
Don't give speeches or pretend to know everything.
No one has answers to everything.
Use simple words that don't have many meanings.
For example, don't say "fall asleep" to describe death. It can cause the child to fear falling asleep or others falling asleep.
Build the child's sense of security.
Maintain a daily routine.
Show them love
and care.
Let the child express their feelings through games or art.
Try to protect the child from excess news media or adult conversations on difficult topics.
Especially discussions that are negative and exaggerated.