Many children lost parents, siblings, and other family and have "childhood traumatic grief" - losing loved ones in a sudden traumatic event - resulting in PTSD, unresolved grief, and depression.

We were invited to speak with mental health and medical professionals, educators, foster parents and grandparents, to address these questions: How to help children deal with the trauma and foster hope and resilience? How to support adults so they can help the children? We highlighted the following interventions. Help children: develop a narrative so they can make sense of the crisis and reduce cognitive distortions, such as self-blame or guilt; learn stress-management techniques; move through the grieving process; deal with prior emotional and family problems, which makes them more vulnerable to long-term mental health consequences. Educate caregivers: help them realize how their support of and communication with children helps healing; learn Attachment Communication Training, which increases empathy and support and reduces misconceptions children create; help foster parents, teachers, counselors and other adults with their own trauma so that they can truly help children. Foster post-traumatic growth: children and adults often develop personal strengths, better relationships, new priorities, positive spiritual changes, and a deeper appreciation of life after a crisis. Positive actions, such as helping others in need, is a proactive coping strategy which builds resilience and hope. Hope and social support are essential for reducing anxiety and depression and facilitating healing from a crisis.