Traumatic life experiences challenge a person's normal coping efforts. Witnessing assault, rape, or murder of a parent can also be traumatic for children. Traumatic life events are fairly common in childhood. There is a wide range of responses to catastrophic events. Some children and teenagers experience temporary worries and fears that get better quickly.
Reactions can occur immediately after the event or weeks later.
Children who have had traumatic experiences may have difficulty sleeping or have nightmares. They may not want to be with people as much as before. They may avoid school, have trouble with schoolwork, or feel unable to pay attention. They may not want to play as much, avoid certain kinds of play, or lose interest in things they once enjoyed. They may be sad or seem to have less emotion or feel guilty about things they did or did not do related to the traumatic experience.