Trauma Proof by Benjamin Perks: Book Review by Detlef Palm

Trauma Proof should be required reading for anyone interested in early childhood development, parenting, education systems and child protection policy. 

A compelling read, even for a grandparent like me.

I have long wondered why, until recently at least, the science of child rearing and parenting was never high on anyone's agenda and everyone took it for granted. Likewise, the importance of school beyond learning, bonding with teachers and the challenges of growing up as a young person are often overlooked. It may be self-evident to some parents, teachers or social workers, but there are many things that can go wrong, with lifelong and sometimes dramatic consequences.

This is not just an explanation of the latest science on the long-term effects of childhood trauma; this is the interestingly told story of the causes of trauma and the ways to prevent trauma, the importance of attachment and how to break the inter-generational cycle. 

Our UNICEF colleague Benjamin Perks does this without lecturing or preaching. I found his way of letting the victims, the parents, the educators and the scientists have their say very accessible, engaging and authentic. Ben knows what he is talking about, including about life in child care facilities.

If we sometimes wonder why the people around us are the way they are, reading Trauma Proof might bring us a step closer to the answer. If we want the best for our children and a better future society, we know we need to take better care. This book tells us what can be done.

Trauma Proof  (ISBN 978-1-80418-834-7) is available on Amazon (click here) and elsewhere, as paperback or hardcover, depending on your country.