Joyce Williams had a hard time understanding her adopted son’s behaviour as he became a teenager.
They always had fights over several parental issues until she attended the Trauma and Belong Workshop at TLC Children’s Home.
“I attended the Trauma and Belong course presented by Joanna Jones and Pippa Jarvis from TLC. I can say with confidence that it’s already made a difference in the way I respond to and raise my adopted son daily.
“Not only do they have a detailed course with lots of information, but they open their hearts, share their lived experiences, practical resources and strategies to assist us in understanding and helping our kids,” she explained.
She now recommends that this should be a ‘must-attend’ for adoptive parents.
Thandi Ntombi, a caregiver who has undergone this training, says she has learned about babies’ emotional needs and how to identify them while building a good relationship with them.
“I didn’t know that babies can be stressed when separated from their mothers at an early age. Now I know how to handle babies and how to meet their needs,” she highlighted.
Programme director and social-emotional learning (SEL) trainer at TLC, Jones explains that trauma, if not dealt with within families can disrupt healthy family functioning and dynamics.
“It can erode trust, communication and emotional bonds among family members. Family members may struggle with issues such as conflict resolution, boundary-setting and coping with stress, leading to further dysfunction and distress.
“The issue of trauma within families is indeed a serious and prevalent concern, with significant implications for individuals, relationships and communities. Exposure to trauma during childhood can increase the risk of mental health disorders, substance abuse, interpersonal difficulties, and even physical health problems later in life,” she added.
TLC holds about 10 training workshops annually to help address these issues within communities, families and schools. In these workshops, individuals can learn how to adopt trauma-informed practices in various settings such as schools, healthcare facilities, social services and law enforcement. This involves creating environments that prioritise safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment while avoiding re-traumatisation.
“Did you know that unresolved trauma can impact parenting behaviours, family dynamics and relationships, potentially leading to cycles of abuse, neglect, or dysfunction,” emphasized managing director, Pippa Jarvis.
“Children who grow up in traumatised families are at a higher risk of experiencing trauma themselves or developing mental health issues.”
For more information, email info@tlc.org.za or call 011 948 7917.
