Kidz focus Point: Trauma and Healing

We at KidZ at Heart cherish children. We desire for children to fall deeply in love with God. But sometimes this comes with challenges. One of such challenges is trauma. Which is no fault of the child. But childhood trauma is alarmingly prevalent, with nearly 35 million children in the United States having experienced one or more types of trauma, including abuse, neglect, and exposure to violence (National Survey of Children's Health).

The impact of trauma on children is extensive and multifaceted. Research indicates that children who experience trauma are:

- 2.5 times more likely to fail a grade in school (Child Trends)

- 5 times more likely to develop depression (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)

- 6 times more likely to exhibit behavioral problems (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

- 12 times more likely to attempt suicide (Journal of the American Medical Association)

- 32 times more likely to have learning and behavioral problems (American Academy of Pediatrics)

- 3 times more likely to use substances like drugs or alcohol (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

- 9 times more likely to have asthma (American Academy of Pediatrics)

- 5 times more likely to have sleep disorders (National Institutes of Health)

Trauma disrupts normal brain and body development, leading to long-term psychological and physical health issues. Children often struggle with trust, self-esteem, and emotional regulation, making it challenging to form healthy relationships and achieve their potential.

However, there is hope and healing available for these children. We believe in the transformative power of a relationship with God. Spirituality and faith can provide a profound source of comfort, resilience, and healing for traumatized children. Engaging with their faith and developing a relationship with Jesus can help them find solace and strength in the face of their challenges.

A relationship with God can help children heal in several ways:

1. Sense of Belonging: Knowing they are loved and valued by God can help children feel a sense of belonging and acceptance, crucial for their emotional healing.

2. Hope and Purpose: Faith can instill hope and a sense of purpose, helping children see beyond their current pain and envision a positive future.

3. Moral and Ethical Guidance: Biblical teachings provide moral and ethical guidance, helping children develop a strong sense of right and wrong and empowering them to make positive choices.

4. Community Support: Faith communities often provide a supportive network that can offer emotional, social, and sometimes even financial support to children and their families.

5. Forgiveness and Reconciliation: Understanding concepts like forgiveness can help children process their trauma and move towards emotional healing and reconciliation.

At KidZ at Heart, our programs are designed to help children deepen their faith and find healing through a personal relationship with Jesus. We provide resources, support, and a loving community to guide them on this journey. By integrating faith-based approaches with trauma-informed care, we aim to help children overcome their past and fall deeply in love with Jesus, fostering a lifetime of spiritual and emotional well-being.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of traumatized children, helping them find the peace and healing they so desperately need through the love of God.

If you would like to learn more or want to receive training, please look at the Trainings and resources tabs above.