STRUGGLE TO FOCUS

For a child who has experienced trauma they may struggle to focus as their minds are so preoccupied with trying to survive the overwhelming feelings of fear and powerlessness. You may notice that the child doesn’t respond quickly or appropriately to someone. The child is so consumed by needing to feel safe and secure that they exert most of their energy by trying to meet this need.

Adults may be in automatic mode and so struggle to hear you when you talk, are easily distracted or can’t remember what you said recently. They be in ‘their own world’ and find relationships difficult.

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WHAT ARE THE MOST HELPFUL THINGS WE CAN DO?

  • FOR CHILDREN

  • Don’t tell a child they are naughty, lazy or rude as this will increase their experience of shame

  • Don’t scare or shock the child as this will deepen their sense of fear

  • See what helps them feel safe; maybe a sensory toy to fiddle with, something in thier pocket, somewhere safe to go and sit if they feel scared or agitated.

    FOR ADULTS

  • Help them notice that they are not always present but are distracted or in ‘their own world’.

  • Help them reflect on those experienced and when they started in childhood.

  • They may need trauma therapy to help them explore why the world maya not have felt safe for them when they were young.