Peter Levine's work in trauma is grounded in medical biophysics, psychophysiology and psychology, as well as his own innovative research into the instinctual behaviour of wild animals. Over the past 35 years, he has developed and refined a method called Somatic Experiencing (SE), which provides the foundation for this guide to dealing with trauma in children. At the core of this book is the understanding that trauma begets violence, and violence begets trauma. The effects of trauma can result not only from catastrophic events such as abuse and violence but from everyday, common incidents such as minor auto accidents, routine medical procedures, family stresses, even something as seemingly innocent as falling off a bicycle. "Trauma Through a Child's Eyes" offers a hopeful alternative to children acting "in" (on themselves) or "out" (on others) in response to pain and injury. Most children possess an innate natural resiliency, and Levine explains how adults can help them tap into and strengthen that resiliency to resolve the effects of trauma and cope successfully with future harmful situations.

While their first book was written primarily for professionals, in "Trauma-Proofing Your Kids", the authors zero in on assisting lay caregivers in the prevention and healing of trauma. It is written in accessible language for parents (whether biological, foster, or adoptive), grandparents, aunts and uncles, and daycare workers. In addition to preventing trauma, it is a practical guide for 'stress-busting'. Its emphasis is in promoting resilience for kids in our fast-changing world of mishaps, increasing pressures and turbulence. Most books that have been written about trauma address therapists or medical professionals leaving parents out in the cold. As helpful as these books may be, the authors are often limited in both their narrow understanding of the nature of trauma (attributing it only to devastating events such as violence and molestation), as well as ignoring prevention. Their emphasis is mostly on treating trauma particularly with drugs.This book, on the other hand, is about nipping trauma in the bud by offering preventative 'emotional first aid' at the earliest signs that a child may have been overwhelmed. In addition to being an eye-opener to the world of trauma, this book also 'breaks the mold' by addressing the core issue of trauma's affect on the body and what it takes to return the nervous system to a state of equilibrium and balance. It empowers parents to help their own kids convert stress into challenge. What is truly amazing is that this little book simplifies a complex subject that neuroscientists are grappling with so that mothers and fathers can apply this knowledge to foster resilient, compassionate and self-reliant children.