Trauma Script for Children
(Nighttime Anxiety or Night Terrors)
This script is designed to help children calm down after a nightmare or when feeling unsafe at night. It uses simple grounding, breathing, and reassurance techniques to restore a sense of safety and control. Parents use soft soothing tones calming and safe. We do the grounding and safety mantra first to slow things down so we can then use breath to further slow things down. In breath always through the nose and long slow deep breath out through the mouth. If appropriate you can have your child blow out the candles or use their dragon breath.
1. Grounding: Quick and Calm (Done at least twice, more if needed)
Let’s notice what’s around us. Say these things out loud or in your head as fast as you can:
• 3 Shapes you can see
• 3 Colors you can see
• 1 Thing you can smell
• 1 Sound you can hear
This helps your brain come back to the here and now, where you are safe. It tells the part of your brain that is scared that the danger is over.
2. Safety Mantra: Say It Until You Feel It
Softly say to yourself, or have someone say with you:
I’m safe.
I’m in my bed.
I’m safe.
I’m home.
I’m safe.
The people I love are safe.
I’m safe.
This is my room. This is real.
I’m safe.
3. 4-7-8 Breathing (Do 1 or 2 Rounds)
Breathe in for 4 seconds. Hold it for 7 seconds. Breathe out slowly for 8 seconds. Repeat one more time if needed.
4. Calm Breathing
Slow breathing in and out.
As you breathe out, think: ‘calm,’ ‘peace,’ or ‘safe.’
Do 4 to 6 calm breaths, slowly and gently.
5. Compassion Breathing (Optional)
With each slow breath, think of one of these words: Peace… Life… Love… Gratitude.
Feel them as you breathe in and out.
