Traumatic experiences can initiate strong emotions and physical reactions that can persist long after the event. Children may feel terror, helplessness, or fear, as well as physiological reactions such as heart pounding, vomiting, etc. The most common causes of childhood trauma include Accidents. Bullying/cyberbullying. Chaos or dysfunction in the house (such as domestic violence, a parent with a mental illness, substance abuse or incarcerated). Without proper care, these traumatic reactions can continue into adulthood.