As an educator, it is extremely important to know what trauma is and how it shows up in children across all settings. It is also important to know how to respond to these interesting and challenging behaviours that can present in children who have experienced trauma, so they can be helped in finding a way forward in the best possible way. In this course over a series of four parts, Dr Vanessa Lapointe will be looking at the inner workings of the child’s world, what trauma is and how it presents, including and understanding of self regulation, a contemporary approach to making sense of behaviours through a trauma based lens. Finishing with how to respond to those behaviours so children get to go and grow exactly as nature intended.
Course Videos
Connection is key (Part 1)
In part 1 of this 4 part series, Vanessa Lapointe discusses some ways in which educators can respond when a child is acting out. She explains that children may behave in certain ways as it allows them to communicate their unmet needs. Watch this video to learn how to be a child’s support and form a relationship rather than focusing on their misbehaviour.
Understanding trauma and self-regulation (Part 2)
Vanessa Lapointe expresses the importance of understanding that kids never behave “just cause.” In this video, Vanessa goes into depth about how to understand trauma and triggers within children as well as how to co-regulate and assist a child when they are in a state of mind where they can’t think rationally.
Where does behaviour really come from? (Part 3)
In this video, Dr Vanessa Lapointe looks at a revised approach to understanding behaviour and where it comes from. As well as delving into the roots of behaviour, she also discusses ways we can respond and connect to children that overall helps to strengthen your relationship with that child.
How to respond and prevent behaviours (Part 4)
In the final part of this 4 part series, Dr. Vanessa Lapointe discusses how to support traumatized kids with challenging behaviours – both in the moment and after the moment. She provides some practical steps and principles to follow to ensure you can provide what the child needs yet still have control of the situation. It is important to remember it is an experience, not a lesson. Watch this video to find out more.