This chapter defines trauma as the impact of overwhelming experiences rather than the events themselves. It further distinguishes between acute, chronic, and complex trauma and shows how each uniquely affects children’s behavior and development. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are introduced and emphasize how both the original and expanded understanding of trauma impacts children. This chapter further explains how trauma alters brain development, often resulting in behaviors being misinterpreted. It reframes these behaviors as survival strategies, urging educators to see through a compassionate lens that prioritizes safety and trust.