This blog post is part of our Teens and Tweens support programme, funded by Adoption England, which supports adoptive parents as their children move into adolescence. Anita, one of our trustees, has brought together a collection of resources to help parents better understand how trauma affects children and young people.
Many of our parents tell us that things can feel more complex as children move into the tween and teenage years. Behaviour can shift, emotions can feel bigger, and everyday situations like school, friendships or transitions can become harder to manage.
Research shows that early trauma can affect how a child’s brain develops, particularly in areas linked to stress, safety and emotional regulation. This can mean some children are more easily overwhelmed, may find it harder to trust, or struggle to manage strong feelings, even in situations that might seem manageable from the outside. These responses are often rooted in how their brain has learned to cope and stay safe. As children grow, these patterns don’t disappear. During adolescence, with increasing independence, identity development and social pressures, they can become more noticeable or take new forms.
Webinars: building understanding and practical tools
These sessions offer a mix of foundational knowledge and practical strategies that you can apply in everyday situations.
- The ‘Why, What and How?’ Guide to Understanding the Effects of Trauma on our Children
- How to be more proactive and intentional: strategies for dealing with challenging behaviours (Megan Tanner)
- Adoptee Futures presents: Adoptee Voices – What We Wish You Knew
- 7 things adoptive parents need to know to help their kids and teens blossom
Podcasts: hearing real conversations
These conversations can be helpful to listen to in your own time, offering insight into emotional regulation and lived experiences of adoption.
Articles: deepening understanding
These resources explore trauma-informed approaches and the impact of trauma on development in more depth.
- Trauma-informed approaches resource (for schools)
- UK Trauma Council resources, including trauma and the brain
Further resources beyond WAF – You may also find these external resources helpful if you want to explore further.
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