Connective Coping Skills with Meghan Hays Davis, MAS, IMH-E

Join me this week as I sit down with Meghan Hays Davis, a seasoned trainer for CASA volunteers in Maricopa County! Meghan’s expertise in child welfare and developmental psychology truly shines through as she simplifies complex topics like trauma and child development. With a background in social work and family practice, Meghan discusses how trauma impacts young children, emphasizing the critical role of relationships in healing.

Join us as we discuss the important distinctions between and complexities of acute and chronic trauma and explore how these experiences shape a child’s brain and behavior. Meghan shares practical insights into recognizing trauma responses in children, from tantrums to regression in developmental milestones like potty training. We also explore co-regulation and its crucial role in helping children with their emotions. Meghan’s approach is both compassionate and informative, offering strategies for caregivers and CASA volunteers to support children in foster care effectively.

I hope that you will listen in as Meghan and I uncover the true importance of understanding trauma through a relational lens and discover how caregivers can provide the stability and support that children so desperately need. Whether you are a seasoned volunteer or new to the field, this episode is sure to offer invaluable perspectives on fostering resilience and healing in vulnerable young lives and, of course, as always, being by their side!

Highlights:

[2:09] - Meghan explains how trauma overwhelms coping abilities, impacting young children's development.

[5:28] - Crawling builds brain connections crucial for reading readiness and developmental scaffolding for future skills.

[6:23] - Chronic trauma involves prolonged deprivation of basic needs, affecting individuals uniquely due to personal differences.

[7:57] - When caring for children removed from parents, we need to acknowledge their hidden trauma and provide stability with sensitivity.

[10:57] - Early experiences, including prenatal and birth contexts, shape infants' expectations and potential traumas, influencing behavior.

[12:32] - Meghan reflects on past clinical experience and highlights how typical behaviors in young children often reflect deeper needs and responses to trauma.

[15:52] - Self-regulation is ultimately learned through adult interactions.

[18:55] - Meghan argues that acknowledging and managing personal emotions before guiding children through theirs can lead to mutual growth and understanding.

[21:37] - Meghan and I discuss how recognizing and encouraging emotional regulation in others reflects nurturing relationships.

[22:58] - Meghan elaborates upon Bruce Perry's three Rs – regulate, relate, and reason.

[24:54] - Car rides can offer relaxed settings for children to freely share their thoughts and experiences without pressure.

[26:43] - Meghan explains how addressing underlying needs like hunger, thirst, and activity levels can diffuse challenging behaviors.

[29:47] - Meghan points out how children in care may fabricate stories to express their longing for family connection.

[31:21] - Meghan argues that children who appear calm or self-sufficient are often masking unmet needs, which requires adults to be detectives.

[34:09] - Building strong connections with kids regularly helps cut down on behavior issues by meeting their needs and heading off problems before they start.

[36:52] - Meghan recommends exploring Bruce Perry's neurosequential model, Dan Siegel's books, and TBRI for attachment-based caregiving strategies.

[39:32] - Meghan touches upon how treating adults involves integrating substance use and therapeutic interventions to address underlying issues.

[41:49] - Peer support is crucial in managing secondary trauma and coping in behavioral health fields.

[43:33] - I point out that connection is vital for coping with trauma and thank Meghan for highlighting its importance today.

Links & Resources:

Bruce Perry’s Neurosequential Model of Caregiving

Dan Siegel’s The Whole-Brain Child

Dan Siegel’s No-Drama Discipline

Karen Purvis’ TBRI

Circle of Security