(KIWA Staff Photo)
Statewide Iowa (Sioux County Radio) — Seasons Center for Behavioral Health is offering a free virtual training next month to help parents and caregivers better understand and support children who have experienced trauma or other forms of childhood adversity.
The 90-minute session will be held Thursday, August 6th, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. via Zoom. It is intended for biological, foster, and adoptive parents, kinship caregivers, and others caring for children affected by adversity or trauma.
The training will examine Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how those experiences can affect brain development, attachment, behavior and emotional well-being. Participants will also learn how attachment can influence a child’s ability to regulate emotions, establish trust, and develop healthy relationships.
Sarah Wurm, Seasons Center’s vice president of Program Development and Specialized Services, says that when children have lived through trauma, their behavior often reflects experiences they can’t put into words. She says that when caregivers understand the reasons behind those behaviors, they are better able to respond in ways that build trust, strengthen relationships, and support healing.
The training will encourage caregivers to look beyond a child’s immediate behavior and use responsive, trauma-informed approaches during challenging situations. Seasons Center says attendees will receive practical, evidence-informed strategies they can begin using immediately to create calm, strengthen connections, and reduce stress within the family.
The session will also focus on helping caregivers promote emotional safety, resilience and healthier relationships while supporting their own well-being.
There is no cost to participate, but advance registration is required.
More information is available on their website or by calling Seasons Center at 800-242-5101.
