Trauma-Informed Parenting with Dr. Julian Ford
How do I help my child(ren) feel more secure when I don’t have the answers? In this second part of a two-part series on trauma-informed parenting, Dr. Amanda Zelechoski speaks with Dr. Julian Ford about why the pandemic has been so hard for parents, especially parents who are essential workers or work in healthcare, and what it means to be a trauma-informed parent.
Highlights from the conversation include:
Why has this pandemic been particularly hard for parents?
How do I know when something might be a trauma from my child?
What does trauma-informed parenting look like?
The ABCs of Parenting During a Crisis
How do I help my child(ren) when I don't have the answers? Dr. Julian Ford explains how being available, present, and thinking clearly will make a positive impact on kids who are dealing with trauma.
Availability
Being consistently available for your kids creates an environment where your kids feel comfortable to turn to you when they have something to say. By setting aside just a few minutes here and there, you validate your kids' feelings and reinforce that you are there for comfort and guidance.
Be Present
During the moments where you're making yourself available to your kids, it's crucial to be fully present. Emphasize that no matter what, you believe in and value your child, that you'll always be there for them, and that you know they will be okay.
Clear Thinking
A big challenge when we are stressed is thinking clearly. Though you may not know in the moment what is best for your child, taking a second first to pause, breathe, and think will allow you to figure out what your child needs next – whether it's giving them some time or space to calm down or stepping in to help in a specific way.
Bite-Sized Excerpts from This Episode
The ABC Method for Parenting Children in Crisis
When to Seek Mental Health Counseling for Your Child
How do parents detect trauma in their children?
Parents are the Medicine for Children Facing Trauma
What does trauma-informed parenting look like?
Meet Our Guest Expert
Julian D. Ford, Ph.D., A.B.P.P.
Dr. Julian Ford is a board certified clinical psychologist and Professor of Psychiatry and Law at the University of Connecticut where he directs two Treatment and Services Adaptation Centers in the National Child Traumatic Stress Network: the Center for Trauma Recovery and Juvenile Justice and the Center for the Treatment of Developmental Trauma Disorders. Dr. Ford is past President of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and a Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
He has published more than 250 articles and book chapters and is the author or editor of 10 books, including Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 2nd Edition; Treating Complex Trauma: A Sequenced, Relationship-Based Approach, 2nd Edition; Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Children and Adolescents: Scientific Foundations and Therapeutic Models; and Critical Moments: Transforming Crises into Turning Points in Psychotherapy.
Dr. Ford is the Principal Investigator for the national Developmental Trauma Disorder Field trial research study, and developed and has conducted randomized clinical trial and effectiveness studies with the Trauma Affect Regulation: Guide for Education and Therapy (TARGET©) model for youths and adults with developmental trauma histories and complex PTSD.