What is a Traumatic Event for a Child?

A traumatic event is a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity.

Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens the life or physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic.

This is particularly important for young children as their sense of safety depends on the perceived safety of the people they are attached to.

The intensity of physical and emotional responses often overwhelms children.

Parents arguing, child frustrated and aware.