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Trauma and Children

Woman comforting a distressed child.Stress can sometimes help us grow, but too much can harm our bodies and minds. For children, too much stress — such as stress caused by traumatic events — can make it hard for them to control what they do and how they feel. Studies like Adverse Childhood Experiences found that this kind of stress can lead to many health problems when they grow up. 

Explore these resources to learn more about how trauma affects young children and strategies to reduce its harmful effects.

Talking to Children About Parental Substance Use

This Sesame Street in Communities webinar shares resources and strategies Head Start programs and staff can use to support children and families affected by addiction, in big and small ways.

Supporting Children Facing Trauma

Supporting children who are facing trauma is a major part of the Head Start Heals campaign. Knowing the signs, symptoms, and supports for children who have experienced trauma fosters healing and resiliency.

Head Start Heals Campaign

The Head Start Heals campaign increases awareness about how Head Start programs are uniquely qualified to address trauma and promote resilience in young children and families. Explore resources to support this work.

Trauma and Resilience

Explore this collection of resources to learn how trauma affects young children and find strategies to reduce its effects in children and adults.

Understanding Stress and Resilience in Young Children

Ongoing research continues to show us how adversity and toxic stress in early childhood can have a negative impact throughout a person's life. These videos are designed to help them understand what toxic stress is, what it does to a person, and easy things to do to help prevent it.