Family transitions, parental struggles, and legal proceedings can be significant sources of stress for children. In the fourth installment of the Children First Family Law ACEs series, Krista outlines practical steps parents and professionals can take to reduce trauma, foster resilience, and prioritize children’s emotional well-being.
Krista highlights the challenges children face when a parent struggles with addiction. She shares innovative approaches, such as creating a video library of the parent reading or engaging with their child during periods of instability. This approach allows the child to maintain a sense of connection and love, rather than internalizing a parent’s absence as rejection. Small rituals, such as bedtime stories, Sunday pancakes, or regular art or nature activities, also provide stability and reinforce the child’s sense of safety.
For professionals in the family law system, Krista underscores the importance of trauma-informed practices. Courts, attorneys, and evaluators can unintentionally exacerbate trauma through adversarial processes or rigid expectations. By incorporating principles of safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment, professionals can transform their interactions, reduce harm, and model empathy. This includes language choices, pacing, and acknowledging the real emotional impact of proceedings on both children and parents.
The episode closes with a vision for family law that prioritizes children’s needs above conflict or litigation. When parents and professionals work from a place of understanding, empathy, and presence, they can reduce adverse childhood experiences, strengthen attachments, and foster resilience. Krista’s message is clear: trauma-informed advocacy isn’t optional. It’s essential for shaping outcomes that truly support children and families.
If you want to learn more about the Children First Family Law Podcast, check out www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com/aces-in-the-family-law-system-protecting-children-through-advocacy-and-awareness-part-4-of-a-4-part-series.