How to recognize trauma in babies zero to three. What’s at stake?

Babies come into this world with the framework to easily speak any language in the world. So in some ways they are multi-linguistic without the ability to speak or have a voice.

We as parents and caregivers have to interpret and articulate the needs, wants, and desires of these children. We listening attentively and allow them to move our hearts into action steps that give rise to solutions. Aligning our mind, will and emotions to truly know what to do calls for us quieting the other sounds of life that constantly intrude and for us filling our selves with the knowledge thats needed to the level of understanding so we can be effective.

As you may know, all living things have a gift but the gift that this little human carries is the prayers of many, the solution to a problem in the world, the friend to the broken, the light in the darkness all trapped on the inside. It must not be corrupted or distorted or broken, it deserves all men and women standing guard as fierce protectors of this gift. That child owes what their carrying to the world!

On the site ECMHC they note the context, community, trained skill and attention that needed to recognize the signs listed below. Be mindful of the signs stated and speak to your pediatrician for direction regarding referral.

• Eating disturbance 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Somatic complaints 
• Clingy/separation anxiety 
• Feeling helpless/passive 
• Irritable/difficult to soothe 
• Constricted play, exploration, mood 
• Repetitive/post-traumatic play 
• Developmental regression 
• General fearfulness/new fears 
• Easily startled 
• Language delay 
• Aggressive behavior 
• Sexualized behavior 
• Talking about the traumatic event and reacting to reminders/trauma triggers

I hope this post help to shed a light on what children mean to us but also sheds a light that we are all responsible and must stand guard for every single one whether you’re a parent or not. The other important note is that if one alone is in danger or lost, we have to secure the 99 and seek the 1.

“The potential possibilities of any child are the most intriguing and stimulating in all creation.”  — Ray L. Wilbur, third president of Stanford University

“Children are our most valuable resource.”  — Herbert Hoover, 31^st President of the United States