Emotional Wellbeing, Trauma and Attachment
Understanding children's experiences and supporting their emotional needs
Children who have experienced trauma, loss, disrupted attachments or difficult early experiences may respond to situations differently.
These experiences can influence how children feel, behave, develop relationships and engage with learning.
Some children may find it difficult to trust adults, manage strong feelings, concentrate, cope with change or feel safe in unfamiliar situations.
Understanding the reasons behind behaviour can help us respond with empathy, consistency and appropriate support.
Behaviour Is Communication
Children do not always have the words to explain how they are feeling.
Behaviour may communicate worry, frustration, fear, sensory overload, unmet needs or difficulty managing emotions.
Rather than focusing only on what a child has done, it can be helpful to consider what might be happening for them.
Practical Ways to Support Your Child
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Build predictable routines and explain changes in advance.
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Create opportunities for connection and positive time together.
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Stay calm and help your child manage strong emotions.
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Acknowledge feelings before trying to solve problems.
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Offer choices when appropriate.
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Celebrate small achievements.
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Work with school to ensure consistent support.
Understanding PACE and Emotion Coaching
PACE stands for Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy.
It is an approach that encourages adults to build trusting relationships and respond to children's emotions with understanding.
Emotion Coaching helps children recognise, name and manage their feelings while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
Both approaches can be useful in supporting children who have experienced adversity.
When Your Child Finds School Difficult
Some children may experience anxiety about attending school, struggle with friendships or find busy classrooms overwhelming.
We encourage carers to speak with the school early and work together to understand what the child is experiencing.
The school's designated teacher, SENCO or pastoral team may be able to identify additional support.
Support and Resources
Walsall Virtual School provides training and resources to help carers develop their understanding of attachment, trauma and emotional wellbeing.
Our Carer Resource Library includes books about therapeutic parenting, emotional regulation, child development and supporting children with complex needs.