Tag Archives: traumainformed

What is the infant’s experience of early trauma?

Posted on June 17, 2022 by colbypearce

Below are my notes from a twenty-minute presentation I delivered on 15/6/22 on behalf of The Tweddle Foundation, at their event marking Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2022. Good morning. My name is Colby Pearce, and I am a practising … Continue reading →

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Why does my child chew their clothes?

Posted on March 16, 2022 by colbypearce

Chewing their clothes is not necessarily evidence of wilful damage or a lack of respect. For many children it is an exaggeration of a very natural way in which they regulate their nervous system. As such, it is better conceptualised … Continue reading →

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Why does my child follow me to the bathroom?

Posted on March 14, 2022 by colbypearce

Those who take care of children who are recovering from a tough start to life commonly report that the child in their care follows them to the bathroom, and becomes unreasonably distressed when prevented from doing so. In my experience … Continue reading →

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What does my child’s recovery from early trauma look like?

Posted on February 27, 2022 by colbypearce

Anyone who has played Spotto (Spot the yellow car) with children knows that there are many more yellow cars on the road than you typically notice when driving. Similarly, when playing I Spy there are many more things starting with … Continue reading →

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Why does my child antagonize others and then complain of being bullied?

Posted on February 24, 2022 by colbypearce

Antagonizing others and then complaining of being bullied, though it is easily viewed as irrational and self-defeating, stems from very real (and justified) feelings of being poorly treated in life. Children and young people who have experienced relational trauma are … Continue reading →

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Why does my child lie?

Posted on February 22, 2022 by colbypearce

Lying is not necessarily evidence of a character flaw or lack of connection with reality. Children and young people who are recovering from a tough start to life due to abuse and neglect lie for self-protection. Such is their profound … Continue reading →

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Why does my child smile when I am angry?

Posted on February 22, 2022 by colbypearce

Smiling when you are angry is not necessarily a sign that the child or young person in your care is feeling self-satisfied and smug. Many children and young people who are recovering from a tough start to life due to abuse and neglect are unsettled by heightened emotion in adults. For them, it is associated with something bad happening. Continue reading →

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Why do my kids destroy their belongings?

Posted on February 21, 2022 by colbypearce

Destruction of their clothes, toys and other belongings is not necessarily a sign of ingratitude or disrespect. Many children who are recovering from a tough start to life due to abuse and neglect are mistrustful of receiving nice things and … Continue reading →

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What is the distinctive atmosphere or quality that you project in your role?

Posted on December 31, 2021 by colbypearce

A quick Google search reveals that aura can be defined as the distinctive atmosphere or quality that seems to surround and be generated by a person, thing, or place (Oxford Languages). In my work, I am particularly interested in the … Continue reading →

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Connected Classrooms – A school-based programme for addressing the impacts of early adversity on the developing child

Posted on April 13, 2021 by colbypearce

Schools play a vital role in helping children and young people to recover from a tough start to life, and thrive. My Connected Classrooms programme has been successfully delivered in South Australia, with more than 99% of participant ratings reflecting … Continue reading →

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