Trauma in children doesn’t always show up as tears or silence.
Often, it shows up as behavior, physical complaints, or emotional reactions that adults misunderstand.

In this episode of Don’t Screw Up Your Kids, host Kaleesha Washington is joined by Chevonna Gaylor, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience working in trauma care, suicide prevention, and high-acuity mental health.

This conversation helps parents, educators, and caregivers understand what children may be communicating beneath the surface—and how to respond in ways that support healing rather than escalate harm.

• Why trauma often presents as behavior, not defiance

• Subtle trauma signals in children, including sleep issues, stomach aches, headaches, nightmares, and bedwetting

• How suicidal despair develops and why language matters

• Why asking directly about suicidal thoughts can be protective

• The difference between emotional expression and disrespect

• How parenting from fear can damage connection

• Why apologizing to your child can be a powerful healing tool

• When home support is enough—and when therapy is necessary

Website: https://shyana.com
Instagram & Facebook: @ChevonnaLMFT
Book: The Emerging Healer (available wherever books are sold)

⚠️ Important Note
This episode is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional mental health care.

If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, contact local emergency services.
In the U.S., call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

In this episode, we discuss:Connect with Chevonna Gaylor