Trauma at a kids party? How do I deal with it?

Is it possible for a child to be traumatized at a kid’s birthday party… Yes! Think about the following scenarios…You throw a birthday party and no one attends – how do you explain that to your kid? Your child went to a party and all the sweets and preservatives cause your child to be hyper active? Maybe even the situation where your child is extremely shy and you want him to play with the other kids, dress up and be the bell of the ball?

What do I do if this happens to my kid?

·         Talk to your kid! In the event of a traumatic incident in a child’s life it is important for a parent to explain the situation to the child. Don’t wait and hope the situation will resolve itself. The child needs to know from their parents that everything is alright. When you explain the situation to your child, be brief and honest and keep reassuring your child of your love and acceptance. If your child is very shy and it is his birthday coming up, you need to start preparing him for the party way in advance. If the child does not want to participate in the games… just leave him. I can assure you that he will still enjoy the party!

·         Reassure your kids that they are safe! It is so important to keep on reassuring your kid. Vocalize it… don’t think a kids knows it. Tell him that he is the most important in your life and even thought something went wrong, you will be with him! If your child misbehave at a birthday party you need to talk to him and take appropriate action so that he knows what he has done is wrong BUT reassure him that you still love him!

·         Do something! It is important that you take action if something happens. It will show your child that you are on his side. If he is bullied – tell the kid to stop it. When a child says that he does not want to attend a party… listen to him. When a child cries and tells you that the other kids bullies him...  try and resolve the situation even if you have to go and talk to the other parents.

·         The most important thing is… Listen to your kid!! Don’t force him to do something just because you like it!