About the children

The impact of adversity on a child will vary.  How this presents can include:

Difficulties trusting

Your child may not believe when you say you are committed to them, and it will only be through actions and time that they will learn that they can trust you. They may reject your attempts to care for them, unconsciously testing to see if you will leave. They could become clingy and demanding of your time, this is their attempt to get close and should not be misinterpreted as attention seeking.

Difficulties communicating

Children who have not been spoken to or had their needs consistently met can struggle to express their emotions and/or say what they need. This can lead to angry and frustrated outbursts and challenging behaviour. Adults need to be sensitive and responsive to what is underpinning the behaviour rather than focusing on the behaviour.

Difficulties complying

Following what may appear to be simple instructions, for example, putting rubbish in the bin or brushing their teeth can be unfamiliar to them because they have never been taught. They need to be shown and given time, encouragement, and space to practice. 

Developmental delay

Will be evident at some level for all children who have experienced adversity. This can physically include, slight build, squint, speech delay and/or slow to crawl/walk. Cognitively they may find learning a challenge and may need extra support with writing and reading. Emotionally they may present younger than their age.