We are excited about our theatrical production, A Life Connected. Some parents have asked if this program would be appropriate for their children. This program, which dramatizes the lives of abandoned, at-risk, and orphaned children, is written to raise awareness within our community about mentorship, foster care, and children who grow up in foster care.
The production is not designed to help children to understand their own life experiences. Therefore, we advise not bringing children under 12 to this event, or children who have experienced trauma including neglect or abuse. It may be appropriate for an older teenager who desires to know about these issues.
If a parent does choose to bring a younger child, or a child who has experienced trauma, here are some tips to remember.
1. Children who have experienced trauma and abuse may have their own trauma issues surfaced by a dramatic portrayal of similar events.
2. Children whose trauma issues surface typically act out their emotions through their behavior, rather than talk through their issues. Expected behaviors include anger, crying, misbehaving, and could include aggression against self or others.
3. Therapists do not use dramatic portrayals, such as a play or movie, to help traumatized children, although they do use play therapy, however in this case the child is in control of the course of the play therapy, and a therapist is with them throughout the process.
4. Although children may have experienced growth through their own trauma therapy, a dramatic portrayal of abuse may still trigger strong emotions and resultant aggressive or self-destructive behaviors.
5. Young children without a trauma history may experience difficulty comprehending issues of child neglect and abuse. They respond better to short talks with a loving caregiver, or perhaps a children’s book on the subject that can be read, or put down, rather than a dramatic portrayal in a darkened room over which they have no control.
6. Children and teens, if witnessing a theatrical event portraying abuse and neglect, would require coaching before and after the program. Beforehand, the parent should anticipate for them what they view, and what strong emotions they may feel (anger, sadness, fear), as they see and hear child actors tell their stories. Also, you should give them permission to leave if they are frightened, and accompany and remain with them. Arrange some time afterwards to spend time with your child to further process their thoughts and feelings.
