Can you remember trauma at 4 years old?

When confronted with trauma, a child may not have the ability to cope with the experience. While very young children may not remember specific events they do remember emotions, images and can be reminded of situations that cause them to be upset.

At what age does trauma affect a child?

In community samples, more than two thirds of children report experiencing a traumatic event by age 16. However, estimates of trauma exposure rates and subsequent psychological sequelae among children and youth have varied depending on the type of sample, type of measure, informant source, and other factors.

Will my 3 year old remember a traumatic event?

Children DO remember events that happened in infancy, but not usually in a way that they can talk to us about. If it is, the event is recorded in the child’s brain as a traumatic memory, and research concludes that if it is still remembered after about age 2.5, children do not forget it.

Does young age protect children from traumatic experiences?

Because infants’ and young children’s reactions may be different from older children’s, and because they may not be able to verbalize their reactions to threatening or dangerous events, many people assume that young age protects children from the impact of traumatic experiences.

Can preschool children be affected by trauma?

Preschool age children can be seriously affected by trauma, just like older children and adults. Life-threatening events such as car accidents, bushfires, sudden illness, traumatic death in the family, crime, abuse or violence in the community can cause trauma.

How should my child feel after a traumatic event?

There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to feel after a traumatic event so don’t try to dictate what your child should be thinking or feeling. Encourage your child to openly share their feelings.

How do you deal with a child who has been traumatized?

Try to maintain regular times for meals, homework, and family activities. Speak of the future and make plans. This can help counteract the common feeling among traumatized children that the future is scary, bleak, and unpredictable. Keep your promises. You can help to rebuild your child’s trust by being trustworthy.