Smart Connections - Show Me Health

Trauma Smart is a program created by Crittenton Children’s Center to provide support to children who have experienced trauma as well as caregivers and teachers who love and take care of them. 

Un-resolved trauma in childhood can have life-long effects and is linked to adult aggression, substance abuse, eating disorders, depression, and suicide.  Trauma Smart helps resolve the effects of trauma so children can live confident, productive lives. 

Trauma can be one event or a series of events that frighten, confuse or hurt a child.  What is hard and scary for one child, may not be hard and scary for another.  Some examples of trauma are; death of a loved one, painful or extended medical procedures, separation from family, physical or sexual abuse, violent crime, incarcerations or arrest of a loved one, house fire or car accident, hurricane, tornado or flood.

Children may show these signs if they are suffering the effects of trauma.  Children may have a change in sleep pattern, nightmares or night terrors.  You may see frequent crying, anxiety, nervousness, more quiet than normal or a change in eating habits.  Other signs are frequent temper tantrums, aggressive behavior, acting younger than their age or trouble separating from caregivers. 

In the event of a traumatic event, parents and caregivers should remain calm, soothe and comfort your child.  Then parents can encourage their children to express their emotions while maintaining a consistent routine and preparing children ahead of time for any changes to routine.

Smart Connections, the parent education piece to Trauma Smart, teaches parents the skills to connect with their children.  Starting October 18^th, Mary Taylor from the Livingston County Health Center will offer Smart Connections at the Livingston County Health Center.

On October 18, parents and caregivers can learn how to Manage the Ups and Downs by learning how to take care of themselves so they can better care for their children.

The next session on November 1, will teach parents how to Read the Signs and strengthen connections with your children.

On November 15, you learn how to Create Comfort by implementing routines and rituals with your children.

At the November 29 class, parents will find out about Encouraging Growth by learning about praise and how it affects behaviors.

After the first of the year on January 10, learn how to become a Feelings Detective and help your child identify his/her feelings, energy and moods.

At the January 24 session, parents and caregivers learn ways to teach children to Express Feelings and the effects of grief and loss.

On February 7, Blow Worries Away and help the child regulate their energy level, mood or feelings.  Also learn the calm down steps and how to implement these steps.

Build a Calm Down Spot is the topic for February 21, where participants will and learn the importance of having a safe place for every child.

Encouraging Learning and ways to help a child problem solve will be the topic on March 7^th.

The final class of the series on March 21 parents will learn how to “Identify the Superhero in Your Child”, by identifying their unique, positive, coherent ad future selves.

If you would to attend please call the Health Center at 646-5506 to sign up. Every parent and caregiver is welcome.