Trauma-Proofing Your Kids: A Parents' Guide for Instilling Confidence, Joy and Resilience

Description

While their first book was written primarily for professionals, in "Trauma-Proofing Your Kids", the authors zero in on assisting lay caregivers in the prevention and healing of trauma. It is written in accessible language for parents (whether biological, foster, or adoptive), grandparents, aunts and uncles, and daycare workers. In addition to preventing trauma, it is a practical guide for 'stress-busting'. Its emphasis is in promoting resilience for kids in our fast-changing world of mishaps, increasing pressures and turbulence. Most books that have been written about trauma address therapists or medical professionals leaving parents out in the cold. As helpful as these books may be, the authors are often limited in both their narrow understanding of the nature of trauma (attributing it only to devastating events such as violence and molestation), as well as ignoring prevention. Their emphasis is mostly on treating trauma particularly with drugs.This book, on the other hand, is about nipping trauma in the bud by offering preventative 'emotional first aid' at the earliest signs that a child may have been overwhelmed. In addition to being an eye-opener to the world of trauma, this book also 'breaks the mold' by addressing the core issue of trauma's affect on the body and what it takes to return the nervous system to a state of equilibrium and balance. It empowers parents to help their own kids convert stress into challenge. What is truly amazing is that this little book simplifies a complex subject that neuroscientists are grappling with so that mothers and fathers can apply this knowledge to foster resilient, compassionate and self-reliant children.

Peter A. Levine, PhD, is the developer of "Somatic Experiencing" and founder of the Foundation for Human Enrichment. A NASA consultant, he lives in Encinitas, CA. Maggie Kline, MFT, has more than 30 years of experience as a teacher, family and child therapist, school psychologist, and parent. She lives in Long Beach, CA.

"Peter Levine and Maggie Kline have done an outstanding job of helping parents, and everyone else, to understand the different kinds of trauma children may face. I have done a lot of work in therapy around my own traumatic childhood event and was able to try out many of the easy-to-follow exercises they provide. I truly felt a relief and peacefulness that I had never felt before. I treasure this book and hope you will too." -Violet Oaklander, PhD, author of Windows to Our Children and Hidden Treasure: A Map to the Child's Inner Self "If you've ever wondered how to help children navigate the rough and tumble vicissitudes of life, this book is a godsend." -Sandra Blakeslee, co-author of The Body Has a Mind of Its Own "This book is a must for every parent, teacher, coach and scout leader. It helps us to understand the stages of childhood development and supports parents in dealing with each stage more appropriately and sensitively. It is a pioneering work, a pioneering insight and a pioneering triumph. It is visionary common sense, pure and simple." -From the foreword by Mira Rothenberg "Trauma-Proofing Your Kids is an important tool to help parents and all adults deal with children that have experienced trauma. Understanding that trauma is a part of life should signal all of us to prepare ourselves for the inevitable." -Ron Scruggs, athletic coach, parent and grandparent