Emotional trauma as a result of physical abuse can alter a child’s behavioral activities and mental functioning and this may change their perspective of how the world looks like. In this case, Billy is emotionally traumatized due to physical torture by his parents, and therapy treatment will help him cope with those challenges. Billy needs reassurance that he is indeed a good person, this will make him feel secure. Hugging him daily will build trust and creates the affection he lacks, and this will make him trust other people and surroundings, and this will impact his development positively. Billy gets emotional when asked about the scar, avoiding situations that trigger him emotionally can be beneficial in his healing process by reducing disturbing memories. Being available both physically and emotionally for Billy will offer comfort, attention, and reassurance that he needs in his daily life rather than just being directive. As a caregiver, I will be friendlier and try to understand what Billy needs and take him through the recovery process together with his parent.
Emotional stress can impact a child’s development negatively and this may lead to more serious complicated mental disturbances. In this case, Billy is used to be told that he is a bad boy which if not corrected may lead to him adopting that in his future. Children’s let out their stress in a variety of ways for instance by crying, withdrawal, and anger. When overwhelmed by events it is okay to let them be emotional because it might as well help them overcome with time encourage activities that will carry their minds away and avoid dwelling on traumatic events. Encourage simple breathing exercise when overwhelmed by events, breathing in and out helps to calm down and they will be able to relax. All this will help Billy in this case who is the much-traumatized scar.
Both parents and caregivers must understand that there are a variety of behavioral activities in children. However research shows acquiring self-control and adopting to adhere to it is the key to behavioral development (Yule, W., & Williams, R. M. 1990). In this case, Billy needs assistance from the school, parents, and any other surroundings to help him attain behavioral control and be able to follow them. Preschool Children’s behavior is reflected in the manner they act or carry themselves. Family rules largely contribute to the manner children carry themselves around and this may impose behavioral patterns in them. Responding or trying to understand why Billy is emotional will help lower his traumatic memories and calm down. Acknowledge that what he feels is okay and reassure him that he will never experience it again. Listening to any difficulties they encounter will slowly create trust and give room for self-healing. To boost his esteem it’s important to regularly applaud him for his little achievements and tell him that his mother will be proud of him. “Billy I know you are a good boy because you always do what I tell you to do, don’t worry I will tell mama that you are a very brilliant and obedient boy and she should not punish you again”
Questions are important and they must be included to be able to understand what exactly triggered that behavior. In this case, Billy at his age can comprehend that what her mother keeps telling him is not good and this affects him emotionally. Studies have shown that children have unique attributes that are different from adults in that they can’t understand and be able to show emotional complexity until at an older age(Yule, W., & Williams, R. M.). The only ways to deliver their emotions are through crying, anger, through tantrums among others. Being empathetic to Billy will help him feel accommodated, calm down and finally be able to narrate the events that make him sad. We learn from Billy’s case that he had adopted to remain silent because his mother always speaks for him and decides for him citing that he does not behave properly. It is important to always consider asking children their views about something or what they would like it done or if they consider a certain act right or wrong.
Billy needs assurance, appreciation, and recognition of his daily routine to be able to rebuild his self-esteem. The assurance that everything will be okay and therefore full filling it by actions will help him feel safe again. Always initiate the conversation about friends, movies, or world events that will actively make Billy participate. This will help him overcome emotions and relieve him of these disturbing events. Always listen to Billy’s concern when he is frightened and give him time to explain what he thinks or feels must be done. Encouraging Billy to understand that it’s very okay to feel sad, and will help his emotions to be effectively be managed. Motivating him to share what he feels is not right with both his friends, parents, and caregivers.
What to do next after understanding Billy’s problem will be to involve the mother in a session and try to give her details about her son. Advice on a therapy session that will help him able to cope with daily routines. Give clear indications of what Billy’s like and what he does not avoid triggering his disturbing memories. Help mother understands that punishing the boy affects him emotionally and physically and that makes him feel hated. Emphasize the need for Billy’s mother to spend more time with his son and understands his character instead of concentrating much on tragedies. I always appreciate what Billy does in his daily activities. Encourage scheduled routines of mealtime, playtime, and bedtimes to create the consistency that this can help reduce trigger traumatic memories. Emphasize boding and this will make the child feel safe and secure. Ensure the child’s safety by always assuring them you will be there if they feel frightened. Initiate an interactive session with the child that will allow them to narrate the events they experienced or watched. Try and work with your child throughout his worries assuring his safety and protection. Identify what he likes playing and take part in it, and this will bring an interactive session. At the end of ours session, I will assure Billy that the toxic events are over and that he is safe even with his mother. I will try and show more concern about Billy’s well-being by having a follow-up with him for his day-to-day activities. This will help in recognizing other occurrences and experiences that could be traumatizing him and still have fear for sharing. The session conclusion will involve Billy’s mother who will assure Billy that the events will not happen again and also promise him love, care, and peace at all times.
Reference
Yule, W., & Williams, R. M. (1990). Post‐traumatic stress reactions in children. Journal of traumatic stress, 3(2), 279-295.