“You need to just calm down” Probably one of the worst things that can be said to someone that is feeling anxious or overwhelmed. Not only is it not helpful, it can cause even more stress and anxiety. When we are anxious, our bodies go into fight or flight mode. We feel like we are […]
Just to be Safe, Let’s Assume the Worst.
The statistics are staggering. 67% of the population has had at least 1 traumatic event in their lifetime. Of that 67%, 16% have had at least 4 traumatic experiences in their life which is considered complex trauma. 67%. Let that sink in. If you were in a movie theater, it would be safe to assume […]
How’s Your Engine Running?
One of the most frequently asked questions during our trauma informed trainings for Educators is, “How do I help my student when they are________ ( fidgety, antsy, disinterested, disengaged, anxious, etc.) so they can actually learn what I am trying to teach them?” The answer is simple- Regulation! It is so important to teach students […]
The Very Real Primal Wound
Over a decade ago, my husband and I were preparing to enter into the world of foster care and adoption. Bright eyed and bushy tailed, we knew very little of what to expect, but we were excited and hopeful. To say we were eager is quite an understatement. We took the very best notes in […]
Getting “too” Attached
“If it doesn’t hurt when they leave, then you’re doing it wrong.” Well, if that’s true, then I guess you could say all of us at Bithiah’s are doing it right. Each time a little one leaves, we hurt, but this time, it HURT. We tried to find positives in the move, put on a […]
It’s beginning to look a lot like…..trauma?
The holidays (especially at Bithiah’s) are a time of celebration, gifts, surprises, and special memories. Until it isn’t. For many children, the holidays can be a time of stress, triggers, and overall sadness. Bithiah’s is no exception. Trauma does not discriminate and it certainly doesn’t take a break for the holidays. With the holidays quickly […]
