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Why Kids with Problematic Sexual Behavior Aren’t ‘Bad’—And Why That Matters

Connecting with Teens through Shared Journaling

5 Trauma-Informed Parenting Hacks That Work

Understanding Childhood Sexual Development: A Shame-Free Guide for Parents

From Bathtime to Big Talks: Everyday Ways to Teach Kids About Their Bodies

From Burnout to Connection: Using Points of Joy to Overcome Blocked Care

Parenting Resource: Back To School

Kimber Graves, TBRI® Practitioner

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Fun, School, Teens

1. Back-to-school stress can stir up big feelings for kids with trauma histories.

2. Safe, simple conversations build trust and emotional security.

3. Listening with warmth and curiosity sets the tone for the year.

This blog is part of our “TBRI® Caregiver” Training. If you would like to learn more about this training or any of other trainings. Click Here.

When Children Speak Their Truth,
Our Job Is to Hear Them

A new school year can be hard for any child, especially children who have experienced trauma. Ongoing stress changes a child’s brain. This can lead to problems in learning, behavior, and physical and mental health. These behaviors may seem impossible to stop or avoid.

Parents, caregivers, and educators can help children navigate this transition by creating safe, supportive spaces to talk about worries, hopes, and everyday experiences. Engaging in warm, curiosity-driven conversations not only strengthens trust and emotional security but also helps children feel seen, heard, and ready to face the challenges and opportunities of a new school year. Using structured questions, playful prompts, or casual check-ins over dinner or during school shopping can make these discussions natural, effective, and even fun.

ConnectionPlus team can assist you in gaining a new understanding and build stronger, more meaningful connections. Lean into our Back to School Series to set your child up for a successful school year.

1. Pencil and printed handout

2. Open hearts and listening ears

3. No judgment. No lectures. No criticism.

TBRI® Caregiver

Practical, trauma-informed strategies to support children impacted by trauma.

Connecting with teens can feel tough. Video games, earbuds, and social media often command their attention, and one-word answers can leave caregivers wondering, What are they thinking? What are they feeling? Do they even care? Some teens keep their emotions tightly guarded, while others huff, puff, and stomp away when parents try to enter their world.

When it feels like the door is closing, shared journaling can offer another way in. This simple practicebuilds relationship without forcing conversation. It allows teens to express how they feel at their own pace, in their own words, and without the pressure of face-to-face interaction or nonverbal cues that can sometimes create barriers.

What Shared Journaling Can Look Like at Home

In one family, shared journaling became a simple weekly rhythm. A parent and their daughters took turns answering questions in a journal, leaving it on one another’s pillow each week. Over time, this small practice opened a window into the girls’ hearts—their hopes and dreams, friendships, interests, and struggles.

The journal also became a space for the children to learn more about their parent as a teen and young adult, often discovering unexpected things they had in common. What mattered most wasn’t writing something wise or perfectly worded. The connection came from open-ended prompts and a willingness to listen without correcting, fixing, or lecturing.

Trauma and Adolescence

ConnectionPlus is here to help your family not just survive the holiday season, but thrive in it.

LOOKING FOR MORE SUPPORT?

Explore our resource library for practical tools and guidance for families impacted by trauma. If you’re interested in diving deeper, check out our upcoming trainings. And if your family needs parent coaching, we’re here to help every step of the way.

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