Yes, that is disappointing. You could ask and suggest, but I doubt it will get much action yet. It takes so long for big actions to get approval and trickle down to actual implementation. Still, it could be impressive to type up your thoughts on the coping skills, self-esteem, etc. for the presenter. Maybe something could come of it? Good luck and good for you for trying to help kids with trauma past in the larger picture!

Sounds like your district got taken to the cleaners for a half-baked workshop to count as professional development. They only gave you half the picture, and you're right: you need MORE guidance than "Here's the kind of crap these kids are likely to pull." Awareness that kids may be out of control helps no one move forward.

If you are interested I have a lot of knowledge in this area and I can give you some websites or anything else I can think of. I have been through trauma and my kids as well we are a family in mending. I think to let them tare up a class room is not helpful. Do we want them to grow up thinking they need to be abusive because that is control? I say be firm and gentle at the same time. They need to process what has happend to them they need time they need validation. The best thing you can do is to love them and to teach them the difference between love and abuse because abusers like to combine the two.

Oh and I know of a really good conference coming up in October if you are interested. Have you heard of Ivory gardens?

These training sessions were given by so called experts (in house for that matter), a clinical psychologist and a trained therapist specializing in child trauma. Yes their presentation of statistics, signs of trauma, triggers etc were spot on! But really, WE CAN DO SO MUCH BETTER than just being informed, feel sorry for them and let them do whatever they want because of flight or fight syndrome. I truly believe it is not about letting them think they are in control, but convincing them they are by teaching them the skills they need. Recognizing that they are having a trigger even if they don't understand the connection and teaching them the skills to deal with them. Sorry if I'm rambling...

I did hear back from our behavioral specialtist today....I was told at best someday more might be done. For now this is the first step. The points & questions I brought up were awesome, blah blah blah.

Mamoth, i have not heard of Ivory Gardens, but I would love to have any information you are willing to share!

Let's start our own school. I like your approach.

I agree Naive1 we should create our own trauma treatment group :) I suspect I will know alot more in the years to come.

Right now my cry is similar in that how could there not be better treatment options for my very young daughter. I know she is hurting and I feel helpless to do ANYTHING for her other than stop the abuse from continuing, protect her from seeing or having contact with the abuser, reassure her often of my love and that I won't hurt her body and I will keep her safe, educate her about good touch bad touch topics (I guess as I make the list I am doing some pretty good things) etc.

Blessings

Heartsadx3, you are doing GREAT things & your daughter will be better for it!

We have to be proactive not reactive....but with it there is a fine line we have to be careful not to cross...stranger danger is a great first step but I forgot to teach family dangers...we are a bit hung up on sexuality as a whole in this country, yet we expose our children to many things that they may percieve differently than they seem. I guess have seen in my own family and friend responses, that this topic has many different levels, everyone has a different story with the same thread, but each one is individual in nature, and therefore we have to look toward teaching before any of it. In some sad cases, very little children suffer and have no voice yet, but those that can, we should try to teach. One note however, predators are very sneaky, they know exactly what and who they are doing, its planned and they use the children to protect their secrets, and then when they are exposed, some fail to accept the truth and side with the perp.....and therefore that is why it is complicated to blanket anyones response in dealing with this. Also confidentiality is very important, not all victims are vocal and fear labeling, that in itself can be very difficult. I think we all wish we could do more, inform the world of these evil beings, but again its complex. They are survivors, not victims and it is a huge step for them to accept that themselves. There are other survivors that have written books, celebrities come forward all the time..the topic has been out there, however NO ONE gets it until it happens to them or their child. THAT is the biggest hurdle. I will admit, I never had any exposure to this issue, nor could I relate so therefore it was not a priority...it did not exist in my world....and make no mistake that was exactly how the predator used that to his advantage...I would never have believed this in a million gazillion years that my BIL would do this...I had no clue,,,,so that may be a good place for us all to start. Talk with your friends if you have to....but I guarantee once you do open the wound, you will find others that feel the same way...so Prevention is a good start.

Two Days!? Sounds like someone thinks putting a bandaid on a open fracture will solve the problem. Laughable! It comes down to taking charge of you and your child's healing. Parents ( especially) and therapists along with the children are down in the trenches of dealing with the after effects of abuse. It is important to realize that you are the one who will be responsible for helping your child thru this. Once I read Invisible Heroes by Belleruth Napartstak I learned what I could and couldn't do to help myself and my child with PTSD.

I could sugar coat it but that is the reality of it all. I feel for you, I have been right where you are. I wish that there were more resources for us all.

Laura

They are starting a study group based on a book titled "Help for Billy"....it's a start, yes?