Back-to-School Tips for Pediatric Trauma Survivors: A Trauma-Informed Approach
By Rosemary Williams
The start of a new school year can bring excitement, but for pediatric trauma survivors, it may also trigger anxiety, overwhelm, and fear. Trauma can affect how children think, feel, and respond in the classroom, hallways, and playground. By applying Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) principles, caregivers and educators can help create a supportive, predictable environment that promotes safety, trust, and healing.
1. Safety
Tip: Prepare your child for the return to school by visiting the campus before the first day. Walk through their classroom, meet their teacher, and identify “safe spaces” they can go if they feel overwhelmed.
Example: A parent arranges for a brief meeting with the school counselor so their child knows who they can talk to if they feel anxious.
2. Trustworthiness & Transparency
Tip: Keep communication open and honest. Let your child know what to expect for the first week of school and who will pick them up each day.
Example: Use a printed calendar at home to show daily routines and after-school plans to reduce uncertainty.
3. Peer Support
Tip: Encourage your child to identify one or two trusted peers they can sit with at lunch or partner within class.
Example: Ask the teacher to pair your child with a kind, understanding classmate for group work during the first month.
4. Collaboration & Mutuality
Tip: Work as a team with teachers, school staff, and your child to set realistic expectations and accommodations if needed.
Example: Collaboratively develop a “calm pass” so your child can briefly step out to a quiet area when feeling overwhelmed.
5. Empowerment, Voice, & Choice
Tip: Allow your child to have a say in certain school-related decisions, such as what to wear, what healthy snack to bring, or how to decorate their homework folder.
Example: Letting them pick their own backpack can give a sense of control in a time of change.
6. Cultural, Historical, & Gender Sensitivity
Tip: Respect and celebrate your child’s unique background and experiences by incorporating their traditions and values into their school year.
Example: Share with the teacher any cultural or family traditions that are important to your child, so they feel seen and respected in the classroom.
Bottom Line:
Back-to-school transitions can be challenging for pediatric trauma survivors, but by using Trauma-Informed Care principles—focusing on safety, trust, peer connections, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity—we can help children feel more secure, confident, and ready to learn.