TAMPA, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — In the wake of Texas’ deadly floods, families across the country are grieving and worried about how trauma may impact the children who survived and the ones watching from afar. Experts say traumatic events, including natural disasters and extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, can rewire a child’s developing brain. But there is hope. The right kind of parenting can help children build resilience in even the most challenging times.
The images are devastating. A summer camp in Texas submerged. Thirty-six children gone. Their friends, families, and communities are traumatized.
We are all still trying to process the tragedy.
“When we talk about trauma, these are experiences that reach a higher level of stress, more like a chronic stress or a toxic stress level,” said Lacey Chavis, PsyD, psychologist at Tampa General Hospital.
And when that stress hits a developing brain it can leave a lifelong mark.
“In childhood, what we see is disruption in brain development, particularly in the areas of our brain that control our emotion regulation, our executive functioning and our memory,” explained Dr. Chavis.
That means school trouble, mood swings, and health issues may be rooted in experiences years earlier.
“You would see difficulties with attention, difficulties with emotion regulation probably learning difficulties in school,” Dr. Chavis told Ivanhoe.
And yes, even if a child is too young to remember the event, their body may never forget.
“Trauma leaves deep lasting marks on our brain and our bodies,” said Dr. Chavis.
But the good news? The same brain that can be hurt can also heal.
“The key aspects to parenting and creating that resilience is being attentive, being emotionally responsive and being consistent,” explained Dr. Chavis.
Stick to routines, ask open-ended questions, let kids help make decisions and validate their emotions. The goal? Empower kids, not to avoid hard things, but to face them with support and confidence.
“Agency is the belief that you have the power to make your own choices and that those choices can influence change,” said Dr. Chavis.
Because when kids feel capable, they grow stronger.
And remember, you don’t have to be perfect to be powerful. Even small changes, like sticking to bedtime or listening without judgment, can rebuild trust and resilience after trauma.
Contributors to this news report include: Marsha Lewis, Executive Producer; Matt Goldschmidt, Videographer; and Bob Walko, Editor.
Produced by Child Trends News Service in partnership with Ivanhoe Broadcast News and funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
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