22/07/2025
How to Help Children Heal After the Milestone School Tragedyâ
The tragic incident at Milestone School has left not only families and educators grieving but also a generation of young minds shaken and confused, the emotional impact on childrenâboth directly and indirectly affected deserves our urgent attention. Many caregivers may feel uncertain about what to say or do. According to child mental health experts like Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed of the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), trauma during childhood can have lasting consequences if not handled with care, empathy, and timely support
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Steps to Help a Child Heal from Trauma
1. Encourage Open Communication
* Let children talk about what they saw, heard, or felt.
* Donât force themâbut reassure them that it's okay to talk.
* Use age-appropriate language and be patient with questions.
2. đ Listen Without Judgment
* Avoid dismissing their fears (âItâs nothingâ, âDonât worryâ).
* Validate their feelingsâsay things like âItâs okay to feel scared.â
3. Provide a Sense of Safety
* Create a stable, predictable environment.
* Keep routines (e.g., meals, bedtime) as regular as possible.
* Limit exposure to news or media coverage of traumatic events.
4. Strengthen Emotional Connection
* Spend quality time together.
* Offer physical affection and reassurance.
* Let them know they are not alone.
5. đ¨ Use Creative Outlets
* Activities like drawing, storytelling, or role play help children express emotions non-verbally.
6. đ Educate Yourself and the Child
* Explain what trauma is in a simple way.
* Help them understand their reactions are normal and temporary.
7. đĨī¸ Monitor Behavior
* Watch for signs like nightmares, withdrawal, aggression, regression (e.g., bedwetting), or school problems.
8. Seek Professional Help When Needed
* If symptoms persist for weeks or worsen, consult a child psychologist or psychiatrist.
* Early intervention helps prevent long-term effects like anxiety, PTSD, or depression.
