Healing Tiny Hearts: Trauma from School Discrimination
- by WONDERMOM
- Sept. 25, 2023
Oh, the school days! Remember those? The fluttery butterflies in our tummies before that big presentation, the thrill of a game-winning goal, and of course, those never-ending tales of forgotten homework! As parents, we want our children to look back and remember the beautiful moments, the friendships, the accomplishments, and, dare I say, the fun!
However, the school journey isn’t always sprinkled with just fairy dust. For some children, it’s more like a roller coaster with ups, downs, twists, and turns. One of the downs that is more prevalent than you’d think is experiencing trauma due to discrimination or racism. It’s not just the “I don’t like your shoes” kind of teasing, it’s the painful, deep-seated kind that affects a child’s very core.
The word “trauma” might sound hefty, but let’s break it down in the context of school experiences. When children are singled out or treated poorly based on their race, religion, or ethnic background, they can begin to feel isolated, different, and even less-than. And here’s the not-so-fun fact: repeated incidents like these can lead to trauma.
Think of your little one’s heart as a canvas. Each experience paints a stroke. Positive experiences paint vibrant and lively colors, while hurtful ones smear dark and gloomy shades. Now, if this canvas gets too many dark strokes due to discrimination or racism, it could overwhelm their once bright and cheery masterpiece.
Trauma caused by such experiences doesn’t just stick to the school bell timetable. It has a way of following our little artists back home, affecting their sleep, appetite, and overall mood. You might even notice your child being more clingy, more emotional, or reluctant to go to school.
Now, as parents, guardians, or mother-hen neighbors (you know who you are!), we have our capes ready to swoop in and save the day. But addressing such trauma requires patience, understanding, and oodles of love. Conversations about their day, their feelings, and their worries can go a long way. And remember, seeking professional help isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather an emblem of strength.
Alright, before we wrap up this chat, let’s sprinkle in a bit of fun. Next time your kiddo comes home, surprise them with a DIY art kit! Encourage them to paint their day on a canvas. And as they paint those strokes, remind them that every color, even the gloomy ones, adds depth to their masterpiece. After all, the future Picasso or Kahlo needs every shade to paint their epic tale!