Children are often labeled as very resilient, able to withstand or recover quickly from adversity. Another word for resilience is toughness. I recall having a “tough” reputation on the bus when I was in elementary school. In fifth grade, one of the boys told another boy, “Leave her alone, or she’ll beat you up!”
Although I do not have any memories of actually beating anyone up, I have plenty of memories of being “tough” in other areas of my childhood. I overcame adversity by pouring myself into sports. My second-grade teacher, whom I am friends with today, says I could run faster than all the boys. Other ways I coped were by reading and writing, and even climbing and sitting in a tree. Even today as an adult, I love to escape into a good book, write in my journal, or walk and enjoy nature.
Oftentimes, trauma can be overlooked because of the great resilience of the child. That is why education is so important. The more we learn about the signs and symptoms of childhood trauma, including all the types and variations, the more we can step in and help a child who so needs it.