GESTURES THAT CAN HEAL
- Teens
- Parents









Celebrate
When we celebrate a child’s achievements and challenges, both big and small, and affirm who they are as individuals, we support the development of their self-identity and remind them of their competence, importance, and lovability.

Celebrate
When we celebrate a child’s achievements and challenges, both big and small, and affirm who they are as individuals, we support the development of their self-identity and remind them of their competence, importance, and lovability.

Comfort
Studies show that adults who provide consistent emotional and physical support can buffer the “fight or flight” stress response in children. Teaching them how to manage their emotions and calm themselves down, helping them connect their words to feelings, and practicing relaxation and emotional regulation skills can also help.

Comfort
To comfort is a gesture of making others feel safe and secure and can greatly help children experiencing traumatic stress.
Studies show that adults who provide consistent emotional and physical support can buffer the “fight or flight” stress response in children.

Collaborate
Every day at work, at school, and at home, we have opportunities to collaborate with children to identify problems and work together towards a common goal. Teaching children who have experienced traumatic stress how to collaborate can help them learn strategies to effectively address conflict and deal with adversity.

Collaborate
Every day at work, at school, and at home, we have opportunities to collaborate with children to identify problems and work together towards a common goal. Teaching children who have experienced traumatic stress how to collaborate can help them learn strategies to effectively address conflict and deal with adversity.

Listen
To listen is a gesture we practice every day. For all children, especially those who have experienced traumatic stress and violence, a patient and receptive adult who listens can help them feel safe and valued.

Listen
To listen is a gesture we practice every day. For all children, especially those who have experienced traumatic stress and violence, a patient and receptive adult who listens can help them feel safe and valued.