What If a Parent Doesn’t Believe in Trauma-Informed Care? Navigating Differences in Perspectives

Heyy BCBA Ruby here!

As behavior analysts, we strive to provide the best support for the children and families we work with. But what happens when a parent doesn’t fully believe in the concept of trauma-informed care? It’s a question that can sometimes come up in our practice, especially when we're trying to implement strategies that take trauma into consideration.

First things first, it’s important to acknowledge that trauma is a deeply personal and sometimes hidden experience, and not every family may understand or recognize how trauma can impact a child's behavior. For some parents, the idea of trauma-informed care may seem new or even unnecessary, especially if they’ve never directly observed any traumatic events in their child’s life.

Here are a few things to consider when navigating this situation:

1. Open the Door for Communication
   Sometimes, parents may not know what trauma-informed care is or why it matters. This is a great opportunity to gently open the door for conversation. Try explaining trauma in a way that’s accessible and relevant to the child’s experience. Focus on the idea that trauma isn’t just about large, obvious events—it can be small, cumulative experiences that build up over time.

2. Provide Examples
   If a parent is resistant to trauma-informed approaches, providing examples of how trauma manifests in behavior can be really helpful. Share case studies or examples where behaviors that seemed "challenging" or "out of control" were later understood to be connected to past trauma. This can help shift their perspective from viewing certain behaviors as "bad" to seeing them as signals of something deeper.

3. Be Patient and Respectful
   It’s key to approach these conversations with empathy and patience. Parents may be protective or even defensive about their parenting choices, and that's natural. Take the time to listen to their concerns, validate their feelings, and offer information without pushing them into a particular belief. Just like with any treatment approach, building trust with the family is crucial.

4. Educate About the Benefits
   Sometimes parents may not see the value of a trauma-informed approach if they don’t understand how it benefits their child in the long run. Explain how trauma-informed care can lead to better outcomes by addressing underlying issues rather than just focusing on behavior management. Emphasize that the goal is to create a safe, supportive environment for the child to thrive in.

5. Offer Resources
   If a parent is open to learning more, offer resources such as articles, videos, or books about trauma-informed care. Sometimes, reading material or hearing stories from others who’ve experienced similar challenges can help shift a parent’s viewpoint and open them to new ideas.

6. Respect Their Decision
   At the end of the day, it’s important to respect a parent’s perspective, even if it differs from your own. While trauma-informed care is backed by research and a wealth of experience in the field, it may take time for some parents to come around to the idea. Keep the lines of communication open, and let them know you are available to support them in whatever way works for their family.

If a parent doesn't immediately believe in trauma-informed care, it doesn’t mean you have to give up on providing the best support possible. Keep fostering an open, nonjudgmental environment for parents, and continue to work collaboratively to find what’s best for the child’s growth and development.

In the end, it’s all about building trust and finding common ground with the families we work with. By remaining compassionate and patient, we can help them understand how trauma-informed care can make a real difference in their child’s life.

Until next time, stay patient, stay kind, and stay open to learning!