The Children’s Guide to Managing Trauma is a gentle, supportive workbook created to help children and teens understand what trauma is, how it can affect them, and what they can do to feel safer, calmer, and more in control. If you’re seeking a free children’s trauma PDF guide, this resource is perfect. Written in child-friendly language and supported by soothing illustrations, this printable guide empowers children to explore their emotions, recognise common trauma responses, and begin building healthy coping strategies.
The guide explains that trauma can happen after frightening, confusing or overwhelming events—such as accidents, abuse, separation, or witnessing violence—and that the thoughts and feelings that follow are normal, but can feel big and hard to handle.
Key features of this resource include:
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Simple explanations of trauma and its emotional and physical effects
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Pages on common trauma responses, such as nightmares, worry, anger or avoiding reminders
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Activities to help children name their feelings, spot triggers, and reflect on body signals
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Strategies for calming down and feeling safe, such as breathing, grounding and talking to a trusted adult
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Pages to support building a “safety plan” and identifying who and what helps
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Positive coping ideas to feel stronger, calmer and more in control day by day
This guide can be used in:
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Schools, nurture groups and one-to-one support with staff or mentors
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Therapy sessions, trauma recovery work, and CAMHS
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Foster care, kinship care or adoption support
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Early help and social work settings
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Home environments to open up conversations about difficult experiences
This resource helps kids feel less alone, more understood, and better equipped to manage their trauma responses. It promotes resilience, self-awareness and emotional safety in a supportive, age-appropriate way.
