Post Traumatic Parenting

Have you ever struggled with intense emotions while parenting that seem to come out of nowhere? In today's episode, I sit down with Bonnie Weiss, an internationally known trainer in Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS). 

I was blown away by Bonnie's compassionate approach to understanding the complex parts within us that influence our parenting. She explains how IFS helps separate our reactive "parts" from our true self, allowing us to parent with more awareness and less shame. We explore how generational trauma creates "legacy burdens" that affect our parenting and discover practical techniques to release these burdens. What really resonated with me was Bonnie's explanation of how self-compassion enables us to become more curious about our children's behaviors instead of just reacting to them. 

If you're a parent who sometimes feels overwhelmed by anger, perfectionism, or shame, this conversation offers a gentle roadmap toward healing that will benefit both you and your children.

1. What exactly is Internal Family Systems therapy?
2. How can parents identify and work with the different "parts" of themselves that show up during challenging parenting moments?
3. What are "legacy burdens" and how can we prevent passing them to our children?
4. How does Internal Family Systems therapy's unique approach to healing generational trauma work in practice?
5. How can we handle parts of ourselves that we're ashamed of and don't want to accept?
6. How does becoming curious about ourselves help us become more curious about our children?
7. What resources are available for parents who want to try Internal Family Systems techniques but can't access therapy?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and check out my new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/08/25/when-your-parts-…ng-trauma-cycles/

Are you struggling with a child whose aggression triggers your own trauma responses? In today's episode on parenting boys peacefully, I'm joined by Tosha Schore, parenting coach and founder of the Parenting Boys Peacefully Project, to talk about how aggression is often fear in disguise.

Tosha will share her mission of creating a more peaceful world "one sweet boy at a time" and offer practical ways to set loving limits without shaming our children. We'll discuss how our own trauma triggers can interfere with responding calmly, and Tosha introduces the concept of "listening partnerships" to help heal our reactions. As post-traumatic parents, knowing how to step in physically rather than lecture can make all the difference.

If you've ever felt overwhelmed by your child's aggressive behavior or struggled to know what to do when talking just makes things worse, this conversation will help you see your child's behavior—and your own reactions—in a whole new light.

1. What drives Tosha to help parents of boys with challenging behaviors, and how is she connecting her work Parenting Boys Peacefully to creating a more peaceful world?
2. Why is aggression often "fear in disguise," and how does understanding this help us respond with empathy rather than punishment?
3. How can setting "loving limits" look different from traditional discipline, and why does moving in physically rather than talking too much work better?
4. How can parents who feel triggered by their child's aggression find ways to stay present without getting overwhelmed?
5. Why does trying to talk children out of their feelings often backfire, and what alternatives work better?
6. How can parents experiment with different approaches instead of feeling locked into one "right way" of parenting boys peacefully?
7. How does society view aggression differently in boys versus girls, and what impact does this have on how we respond?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and check out my new book Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/08/20/parenting-boys-peacefully-helping-boys-express-emotions-safely

What if your "good" childhood still left emotional scars that impact your parenting? Emotional intelligence parenting requires us to confront our own histories, even when they seem picture-perfect on the surface. In today's episode, I speak with Stephanie Pinto, author of "From Chaos to Connection," who shares her remarkable story of how her body literally shut down through fainting episodes because she couldn't process certain emotions.

We’ll discuss how well-meaning parents can unintentionally create emotional voids by teaching children to suppress "unacceptable" feelings. Stephanie will explain how naming emotions gives children crucial language for their inner experiences and demonstrates what true co-regulation looks like with concrete examples from her own family. You'll hear about emotion wheels, the polyvagal theory, and simple techniques to help children express big feelings safely. Most touchingly, Stephanie reveals how her personal struggles became her greatest strength as a parent.

So if you've ever felt overwhelmed by your child's emotions or wondered why certain situations trigger extreme reactions in yourself, this conversation offers hope and steps forward.

1. What is emotional intelligence parenting?
2. How can trauma exist even in what we consider "good" childhoods?
3. What happens in our bodies when we don't process emotions properly?
4. Why is naming our emotions such a powerful tool for both adults and children?
5. How can parents stay present with a child's big emotions without shutting them down?
6. What does co-regulation look like in practice with an overwhelmed child?
7. Why might our bodies "take us out" when emotions become too overwhelming?
8. How can we turn our own struggles with emotional regulation into strengths as parents?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Post Traumatic Parenting.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/06/10/emotional-intell…-stephanie-pinto

What if you could replace timeouts with a more effective approach that actually strengthens your connection with your child? Generation Mindful founder Suzanne Tucker joins me to explore the revolutionary "time-in" approach that's changing how parents respond to big emotions.

As a mom of four who grew up in a "happy-happy" household, Suzanne will share how her own trauma and loss led her to create tools that give both children and parents permission to feel all emotions. You'll hear practical ways to implement emotional literacy in your home, from simple card games to creating dedicated calming spaces. Suzanne will explain why traditional timeouts can actually reinforce shame, while time-ins build emotional intelligence that lasts a lifetime. This conversation offers a refreshing perspective for any parent who's felt overwhelmed by tantrums or worried they're "doing it wrong."

So if you've ever struggled to handle your child's big feelings (or your own), this episode will give you the roadmap to more peaceful, connected parenting without expecting perfection from yourself or your child.

1. What happens when we grow up in families where only "happy" emotions are allowed?
2. Why are timeouts harmful and how do "time-ins" offer a better alternative for both children and parents?
3. What's the connection between emotional regulation and using concrete tools like Generation Mindful's card decks?
4. Why does labeling a feeling as something we "have" rather than something we "are" make such a difference?
5. How can we recognize when a child's difficult behavior is actually communication about unmet needs?
6. What simple rituals can families implement to start building emotional literacy from an early age?
7. How does permission to feel all emotions protect children from developing hidden trauma?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Post Traumatic Parenting.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/05/26/how-generation-m…h-suzanne-tucker

Ever wonder if your trauma means you're destined to parent imperfectly? In today's episode, Theraplay expert Dafna Lender shares how all parents mess up - and that's actually okay!

As a clinical psychologist and post-traumatic parent myself, I was fascinated by Dafna's perspective on how we can provide healthy childhoods despite our own wounds. She compassionately explains why parents with trauma histories often experience such crushing self-doubt and offers practical ways to rebuild connection through play. What struck me most was Dafna's story about a mother and adopted daughter who transformed their relationship over two years of treatment - proving healing is possible even in the most challenging circumstances.

If you've ever frozen during a parenting moment, felt triggered by your child's behavior, or wondered if you're "too damaged" to parent well, this conversation will reassure you that repair is always possible. You'll learn why those moments when your kids push your buttons can become opportunities for growth rather than shame.

1. How does parental trauma affect our ability to be responsive to our children's needs?
2. Why do we feel like our children are "triggering" us, and what can we do about those moments?
3. What happens when professionals exclude parents from their child's therapy sessions?
4. How can theraplay help rebuild damaged relationships between parents and children?
5. Why do parents without secure attachment models experience more self-doubt?
6. How can we explain our trauma responses to our children in age-appropriate ways?
7. How long does it really take to repair damaged attachments between parents and children?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Post Traumatic Parenting.

For full show notes and more resources visit https://www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/05/09/theraplay-healin…ith-dafna-lender

What if the way we parent is shaped more by culture than we realize? Multicultural parenting offers a fresh perspective on how families around the world build community and raise children. In today's episode, I sit down with Marina Lopes, a Brazilian American journalist and author of "Please Yell At My Kids," to explore how cultural traditions influence parenting decisions and what we can learn from them.

We discuss the challenges American parents face, often raising children without the support systems found in other cultures, and how this independence can feel isolating. Marina shares her experiences from living and parenting across ten countries, offering stories that challenge assumptions and inspire new ways of thinking about family and community.

Together, we explore the role of multigenerational relationships, the importance of creating a support network, and how traditions from around the world can help us rethink parenting norms. Tune in to discover how embracing different perspectives can make parenting a more connected and fulfilling experience!

1. What can we learn from multicultural parenting practices around the world to challenge our assumptions and improve our own parenting?
2. How does the American emphasis on independence impact parents and their sense of community?
3. What unique postpartum traditions exist globally, and how can they inspire us to better support new parents?
4. How can we embrace multicultural parenting to create a more inclusive and supportive parenting experience?
5. How can we adapt global parenting traditions to fit our own lives and create a stronger sense of belonging?
6. What surprising lessons can we take from cultures where parenting is a shared responsibility?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Post Traumatic Parenting.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/04/23/multicultural-parenting-lessons-from-around-the-world-with-marina-lopes

What role does emotional regulation play in post-traumatic parenting, and how can it shape the way we connect with our kids? In today's episode, I sit down with Dajana Yoakley, a peaceful and playful parenting coach, to explore how neuroscience, mindfulness, and self-compassion can guide us through the challenges of raising children. Dajana shares her personal journey from corporate leadership to parenting, offering stories about navigating toddler tantrums, pre-teen autonomy, and everything in between.

We discuss how to move away from control-based parenting and instead focus on fostering connection, respect, and empathy. Dajana explains why it’s essential to understand your child’s development and how your own emotional state can influence their behavior. We also talk about the importance of self-compassion, building a supportive community, and allowing children to express their individuality while maintaining boundaries. Tune in to hear how small shifts in perspective can make a big difference in your parenting approach.

1. How can post-traumatic parents navigate the triggers that arise when children assert their autonomy?
2. How can we foster emotional regulation in both ourselves and our children?
3. Why is it important to respect children’s preferences and individuality?
4. What role does playfulness have in building stronger bonds with children?
5. How can parents support their children’s autonomy while maintaining boundaries?
6. What steps can post-traumatic parents take to build a supportive community and stay motivated on their parenting journey?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Post Traumatic Parenting.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/04/11/how-emotional-re…h-dajana-yoakley/

What does raising strong-willed children really look like when life throws unexpected challenges your way? In today's episode, I sit down with Sonali Vongchusiri, a passionate advocate for parenting with humor and compassion, to explore how we can connect with our kids while honoring their unique needs—and our own. Sonali shares her personal experiences of parenting while navigating life with legal blindness and albinism, offering a fresh perspective on balancing visible and invisible challenges.

We dive into the importance of embracing differences, processing emotions creatively, and fostering genuine connections with our children. Sonali’s stories will make you laugh, reflect, and maybe even rethink how you approach parenting. Whether you’re raising a deeply feeling child, a strong-willed one, or both, this conversation is packed with relatable moments and practical ways to create a family dynamic where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

If you’ve ever wondered how to meet your child’s needs while staying true to yourself, this episode is for you. Join us as we explore how to parent with authenticity, humor, and heart.

1. How can we embrace our own differences and teach our children to celebrate theirs?
2. What does it mean to balance visible and invisible needs in parenting, and how can we do it effectively?
3. How can humor and creativity help us process emotions and connect with our kids in meaningful ways?
4. What are the unique challenges of raising strong-willed children, and how can we navigate them with compassion?
5. How can we use rituals and small moments to build deep, lasting connections with our children?
6. How can we reframe challenges like dissociation or sensory sensitivities into opportunities for growth and connection?
7. How can we empower our kids to handle difficult questions or situations with confidence and humor?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Post Traumatic Parenting.

For full show notes and more resources visit https://www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/03/19/raising-strong-w…nali-vongchusiri/

Are you feeling the weight of parental burnout and looking for relief? Parental burnout is a reality many of us face, but what if there were a way to navigate it with mindfulness and compassion? In today's episode, I sit down with Sally Arnold, a renowned mindfulness educator and parenting coach, to explore how small, practical mindfulness practices can make a significant difference in our lives as parents.

We'll dive into the importance of community support and self-compassion, and how these elements can help us manage stress and build resilience. Sally will share her journey and insights, offering a fresh perspective on how to approach parenting challenges in today's fast-paced world. Join us as we discuss the impact of social media on parenting, the role of mindfulness in overcoming parental burnout, and the power of connecting with others who understand our struggles.

Whether you're a parent seeking support or simply curious about mindfulness, this episode offers a heartfelt conversation that resonates with anyone navigating the complexities of parenting. Tune in and discover how to create a more mindful and connected parenting experience.

1. What is parental burnout and why do most parents feel reluctant to admit they're experiencing parental burnout?
2. What are the differences in parental burnout experiences between parents of young children and teenagers?
3. Why is community support crucial for parents experiencing parental burnout?
4. How can mindfulness help post-traumatic parents manage parental burnout and stress?
5. What are the small, practical mindfulness practices that can make a big difference in your parenting?
6. How do you start reclaiming joy when you're at the end of your rope as a parent?
7. How can parents create a safe space for their children to express difficult emotions?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Post Traumatic Parenting.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/03/11/the-truth-about-…ith-sally-arnold

Have you ever wondered how EMDR therapy can change the way we process trauma? Join me in today's episode as I sit down with Dr. Deborah Korn, a leading expert in EMDR, to explore the profound impact this therapy can have on healing traumatic memories. 

Together, we'll dive into the intricacies of how traumatic experiences get locked in our nervous system and how EMDR therapy helps in reprocessing these memories to reduce distress and foster healing. Dr. Korn will share her wealth of knowledge on the importance of a safe therapeutic relationship and how EMDR can facilitate post-traumatic growth. We'll also discuss the challenges of accessing therapy, the importance of working with well-trained therapists, and what questions to ask when choosing the right therapist for you. 

Join us for an engaging and informative discussion that will leave you with a deeper understanding of EMDR therapy and its role in trauma recovery.

1. What is EMDR therapy?
2. How do traumatic memories become locked in the nervous system, and what impact does this have on trauma symptomatology?
3. What are the common misconceptions about EMDR therapy, and how does it differ from other therapeutic approaches?
4. How can EMDR therapy help us process and heal from past traumas that affect our present lives?
5. How can EMDR therapy help integrate new positive beliefs and perspectives?
6. What are the misconceptions about PTSD triggers, and how can understanding them improve our parenting?
7. How can clients ensure they are working with a well-trained EMDR therapist, and what questions should they ask?

Connect with me on Instagram @dr.koslowitzpsychology and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel Post Traumatic Parenting.

For full show notes and more resources visit www.drrobynkoslowitz.com/2025/02/19/emdr-therapy-for…-dr-deborah-korn