When children face a crisis—be it from trauma, loss, or overwhelming stress—they often struggle to regulate their emotions, behavior, and responses. Understanding what crisis looks like and how to intervene effectively is essential for caregivers, educators, and professionals.
What Does Crisis Look Like in Children?
Children in crisis may display:
• Emotional Signs: Anxiety, fear, sadness, or anger. They might cry excessively, become withdrawn, or display mood swings.
• Behavioral Signs: Acting out, aggression, defiance, or regressive behaviours such as bedwetting or clinging.
• Physical Signs: Fatigue, headaches, stomachaches, or changes in appetite.
• Cognitive Signs: Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, or a decline in academic performance.
How to Help: The 3 R’s by Dr Bruce Perry
Dr Bruce Perry’s trauma-informed approach emphasises the importance of Regulate, Relate, and Reason:
1. Regulate: Help the child calm their physiological and emotional state.
• Use soothing techniques like deep breathing, rhythmic activities (e.g., walking, rocking), or sensory tools.
• Provide a calm and predictable environment.
2. Relate: Build connection and trust.
• Approach the child with empathy and understanding.
• Use a warm tone of voice and validate their feelings: “I see you’re feeling upset. I’m here to help.”
3. Reason: Once the child feels calm and connected, engage their thinking brain.
• Problem-solve together: “What can we do to make this better?”
• Help them name their emotions and explore solutions.
The WINE Skill
The WINE skill offers a structured way to respond when a child is struggling:
• W – What’s Going On?: Observe and assess the child’s behaviour and emotional state.
• I – I Notice…: Share your observations gently: “I notice you’re upset right now.”
• N – Name the Feeling: Help the child identify their emotion: “Are you feeling angry or scared?”
• E – Explore Next Steps: Collaborate to find a way forward: “What do you think we could do to help you feel better?”
Additional Support Strategies
• Consistency and Routine: Provide structure to help the child feel safe.
• Active Listening: Listen without interrupting or offering solutions too quickly.
• Professional Help: If the child continues to struggle, consider therapy or counselling.
Final Thought
Children in crisis need understanding, patience, and guidance. By focusing on regulation, connection, and problem-solving through trauma-informed techniques like the 3 R’s and WINE, adults can help children navigate challenges and build resilience for the future.
