Children exposed to trauma—particularly chronic trauma from an early age—develop survival strategies to manage traumatic experiences. Their brains and bodies adapt based on these experiences in ways that be misinterpreted by others. Trauma-related behaviors can be frustrating for adults, especially when they jeopardize a child’s success. However, these behaviors often make sense in the context of a youth’s experiences. When we put on our “trauma glasses” and consider the role trauma may play in how a child behaves, we start to think and talk about children and their behaviors differently.

Directions: Below is a list of descriptions someone might use with their "Trauma Glasses" OFF. For each, give alternative explanations or adjectives you might use to describe a particular child’s behavior when you have your “Trauma Glasses” ON.

1. Manipulative
    

   Getting needs met in ways that have worked in the past. Doing whatever is necessary to survive.
2. Lazy
    

   Overwhelmed. Lacking the skills to make decisions about what to do first or to organize.
3. Resistant
    

   Mistrustful of others due to history of being hurt by others. Scared to make progress and then lose everything.
4. Unmotivated
    

   Depressed. Fearful. Overwhelmed. “Frozen.”
5. Disrespectful
    

   Feeling threatened, unsafe, out of control.
6. Attention-Seeking
    

   Feeling disconnected, alone, or unheard by others. Looking for connection.

Adapted from National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments. (n.d.). Trauma-Sensitive Schools Training Package: Understanding Trauma and Its Impact Activity Packet. Full document available at https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/sites/default/files/Trauma_101_Activity_Packet.pdf