Outside OBSTACLES

Every Child Struggles with 

NAVIGATING TRAUMA

The Hard Trail Ahead

The road to healing is rarely smooth. The WAGON Method acknowledges the profound impact of Outside Obstacles – those forces beyond a child's control that can shape and disrupt their journey. As Advocates, we understand that these obstacles can manifest in many forms,  from sudden upheavals to the lingering effects of persistent challenges. We must be prepared to navigate these obstacles alongside the child. Our role is to provide unwavering support, practical solutions, and help them develop the adaptability needed to overcome the unexpected and keep moving forward. We are committed to ensuring that external forces do not derail their progress, but instead become opportunities for growth and resilience.

NAVIGATING Trauma

Without Addressing Outside Obstacles

Imagine a child's journey burdened by the constant threat of Outside Obstacles. Each step forward is met with rough terrain, treacherous river crossings, and hostile encounters. Their path is strewn with unpredictable dangers and a lack of essential resources. The child feels trapped, their progress constantly halted, and their spirit faltering under the relentless barrage of challenges. Without help to navigate these harsh conditions, their journey becomes a fight for mere survival.

NAVIGATING Trauma

With a Focus on Outside Obstacles

Now, picture the child supported in addressing those Outside Obstacles. Rough terrain is smoothed, creating smoother passage. Bridges are built for safe river crossings. Hostile encounters are deflected or avoided with protective strategies. Resources are sought and secured, ensuring basic needs are met.  With this targeted support, the child can focus on unpacking the wagon of their past. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by both internal and external burdens, they gain a sense of mastery over their environment, allowing them to dedicate energy to the healing of inner wounds.

How Stuck children can move forward

The Power of Outside Obstacles

When children face overwhelming trauma, the obstacles in their external world can feel insurmountable. These obstacles, like rough terrain, river crossings, or hostile encounters, leave them feeling lost and without the tools to navigate forward. The focus on Outside Obstacles within the Wagon Method provides targeted guidance to address these environmental challenges.

Wagon Masters are the skilled guides who understand how trauma and external forces can derail a child's progress. They focus on creating stability, increasing safety, and fostering a network of support. By addressing immediate environmental threats and building coping mechanisms, children regain a sense of control and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.  As those external obstacles shrink, or become easier to manage, the healing journey gains momentum. This shift allows the child to move from feeling stuck to feeling empowered to chart their path.

Rough Terrain

Mental Challenge

The uneven landscape represents the external stressors a child may face. This could be family dysfunction, poverty, community violence, or systemic prejudices and discrimination.  Advocates must help the child develop coping mechanisms and find stability within these chaotic environments.

River Crossings

Life Disruptions

Significant events like the loss of a loved one, experiencing displacement, or witnessing violence are akin to treacherous river crossings.  We must provide sturdy emotional support to ensure the child doesn't feel swept away by overwhelming emotions during these pivotal transitions.

Extreme Weather

Harmful Events

These encompass events outside the child's control - abusive situations, neglect, or exposure to harmful substances. Our role is to create a safe haven, a shelter from any storm, and to equip the child with tools to seek help and remain resilient in the face of hardship.

Hostile Encounters

Dangerous People

These could be encounters with unsafe individuals, peer pressure, or experiences of bullying. Advocates work to build the child's inner strength, foster self-esteem, and provide a protective network so they can deflect these negative forces.

Resource Scarcity

Lack of Support

When basic needs like consistent shelter, food, education, or healthcare are unmet, trauma is compounded. Advocates must bridge these gaps, identify resources, and help the child access vital support for their journey to healing.

health challenges

Physical Health

Trauma can sometimes mask underlying health issues or lead to neglect of a child's physical needs. Advocates play a crucial role in ensuring children receive regular medical check-ups, and any necessary treatment for existing health conditions.

"Happy Ever After" Begins Here

Join our Wagon Train and help your children move forward, one step at a time.

Step 1

Sign up for the training

The Wagon Community consists of individuals, just like you, in need of a support system and a way to comprehend trauma and support children dealing with it.

Step 2

Become a wagon master

Enroll in the online training program to become a Wagon Master, someone who is skilled in creating a supportive environment for children to progress.

Step 3

HELP KIDS MOVE FORWARD

A Wagon Master is the leader of a wagon trail. A child grappling with trauma is encircled by other wagons, yet what they truly require is a Wagon Master to help them move forward.