On today’s episode I speak with Kathy Warwick, the Head of the TraCS Trauma Consultancy Program at the Alannah & Madeline Foundation. Kathy brings deep compassion and expertise to her work and, in our conversation, she shares powerful insights on viewing children’s behaviour through a trauma lens. This is a rich discussion for anyone supporting children in early childhood settings.

Kathy and I discuss:

🌸 The importance of adopting a trauma lens when working with children.

🌸 Recognising that challenging behaviour often signals a child’s experience of fear or stress.

🌸 The critical role of safe, supportive relationships in helping children with trauma.

🌸 How trauma can disrupt children’s developmental milestones and attachment.

🌸 The unique challenges educators face when supporting children impacted by trauma.

🌸 The value of curiosity in interpreting behaviours as potential trauma responses.

Kathy Warwick is the Head of Trauma Consulting (TraCS) at the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Having worked her entire career with children and families who have experienced significant trauma in their lives, Kathy has a strong understanding of the impact of trauma on the development and attachment experiences of children and values the role TraCS is able to play in supporting children to reach their potential in their crucial early years. This work has also made Kathy very passionate about recognising the impact trauma can have on professionals working closely with vulnerable children and families.

Helpful links:

💫 Explore the Trauma Consultancy Service

💫 Download their guide - Trauma-Informed Practice: A Guide for Early Childhood Organisation

Connect with Kathy:

💫 Send her an email: kathy.warwick@amf.org.au

💫 Find the Alannah + Madeline Foundation on Instagram: @alannahmadeline

💫 Visit their website: The Alannah + Madeline Foundation

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If you want to be able to understand the behaviour you're seeing, decide how to respond, and adapt your approach when things don't go to plan - without constantly questioning whether you're doing behaviour "right" - click here to join us!

Doors close on October 22.

EP 21 | Supporting Challenging Behaviour With a Trauma Lens with Kathy Warwick

The Bloom Room: An Early Childhood Podcast

EP 21 | Supporting Challenging Behaviour With a Trauma Lens with Kathy Warwick