Impacts of Trauma on child’s academic and emotional wellbeing

By Syahira Khan 

Impacts of Trauma on Child’s Academic and Emotional Wellbeing

“When you see a child differently, you see a different child.” – Stuart Shanker.

Understanding the connection between a child’s psychological well-being and academic success is imperative because it underscores the importance of addressing the emotional needs of students to foster an environment conducive to learning and achievement. While other psychological issues certainly warrant attention and support, trauma stands out due to its widespread prevalence and its significant impact on various aspects of children’s lives.

 

Image Reference: https://www.simplypsychology.org/unconscious-mind.html

Iceberg analogy. When discussing the complexities of trauma with parents, I frequently rely on the iceberg analogy to illustrate its profound depth and hidden challenges. In our exploration of childhood trauma and its multifaceted effects, it’s akin to unraveling the layers of an iceberg. What’s visible above the surface—quietness, avoidance of confrontation, retreats into a shell,—barely scratches the surface of the deeper emotional turmoil children may be experiencing. Just as the bulk of an iceberg lies hidden beneath the waterline, so too do the complexities of trauma responses and their implications for academic performance and psychological well-being. Understanding these responses—quietness as a shield, avoidance as a defense mechanism, appeasing to avoid the confrontation from being exasperated—is crucial for educators and caregivers to provide the necessary support. By delving beneath the surface and addressing the root causes of these behaviours, we can create a nurturing environment conducive to healing and academic success.

Image Reference: https://jdmeier.com/growth-mindset/

 

Growth Mindset. One powerful tool in supporting children with trauma is cultivating a growth mindset. Having a growth mindset can be transformative for children with trauma, offering them a path towards healing and resilience. Unlike a fixed mindset, which sees abilities and qualities as innate and unchangeable, a growth mindset embraces the belief that skills and capabilities can be developed through dedication and effort. For children with trauma, a growth mindset provides a beacon of hope, showing them that their current circumstances do not define their future. 

In the context of parental support, understanding the transformative power of a growth mindset is paramount when guiding children with trauma. This understanding fosters a sense of compassion and patience, creating a supportive environment where children feel safe to express themselves and seek help when needed. Instead of viewing their behaviours through the lens of defiance or disobedience, parents can recognise that these children are not simply being obstinate; rather, they may be grappling with deep-seated emotional wounds that manifest as challenges in communication and behavior. Again, ‘when you see a child differently, you see a different child’. 

By embracing a growth mindset, parents can shift their perspective from frustration to empathy, recognising that their child’s struggles are not a reflection of willful disobedience but rather a response to past trauma. By nurturing emotional well-being and resilience in children with trauma, parents equip them with the tools to overcome obstacles, engage effectively in learning, and unleash their full academic potential.

 

Dispelling Myths. Dispelling myths surrounding trauma is essential for creating a compassionate and empowering environment for children. The notion that providing tailored support to children with trauma is akin to “spoon-feeding” or coddling them is not only outdated but also harmful. This archaic ideology fails to recognise the unique challenges these children face and undermines the importance of meeting their individual needs in a compassionate and empowering manner. In reality, offering support to children with trauma is about meeting them where they are and providing the necessary tools and resources to help them succeed. It’s not about doing the work for them but rather empowering them to develop the skills and resilience needed to navigate life’s challenges independently. 

By dismissing the need for specialised support as “spoon-feeding,” we perpetuate a harmful narrative that suggests these children should simply “toughen up” or “get over” their trauma as some parents relate back to their upbringings. This mindset ignores the profound impact of trauma on children’s development and well-being and undermines their right to receive the care and support they need to thrive.  I’d like to highlight two points here,

(i) Remember, this is not about you and your childhood, it’s no comparison. This is about your child and their current unique circumstances and the support they need- what worked for you, does not necessarily work for them.

(ii) There is a striking difference between spoon-feeding, and empowering a traumatised child.

(Stay tuned for my second article that unpacks this point in more depth). 

To sum up, understanding the profound impacts of childhood trauma on academic achievement and psychological well-being is crucial for creating a nurturing environment where all children can thrive. By delving beneath the surface below the iceberg, fostering a growth mindset, and providing trauma-informed support through shifting the question from ‘What’s wrong with my child?’, to ‘What’s happened to my child?’, we can empower children to overcome obstacles, unlock their full potential, and lead fulfilling lives.

Meet Syahira

Meet Syahira, MA, LPC, a leading counsellor with a distinguished career spanning both the international school sector and private practice at BetterMind. With a focus on adult and adolescent emotional wellness, Syahira employs individual counselling sessions, conducted in-person or online, to address a variety of challenges, from anxiety management to relationship navigation. Her collaborative approach, honed through her Master of Professional Counselling with High Distinction from Monash University, fosters a space for clients to explore underlying issues and develop effective solutions. Syahira’s dedication to her clients’ holistic well-being, combined with her academic excellence and practical experience, establishes her as a trusted guide in the journey toward resilience and personal growth.

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