Issue #25
The Impact of Trauma
on Parenting

Parents who have suffered trauma in their own childhoods want to give their children better lives, but the feelings of rage, shame, fear and hopelessness that so often come from trauma can get in the way.

In this issue, parents write about how trauma has impacted them as parents, and offer insights into child welfare policies and practices that either cause more pain or support them in healing themselves and their children.

Small Steps
I want to give my kids the childhood I didn’t have.

The Heart of the Problem
Child welfare systems are beginning to recognize—and treat—parents’ trauma. 

From Existing to Living
I needed courage and support to face my childhood and reconnect with my kids.

A Family That Heals Together
Child-parent therapy can help parents and children recover from trauma.

Smoking Away the Pain
Can I face life without marijuana or will I fall apart?

Too Close for Comfort
I was afraid to show my daughter all the love I really felt.

Finding Our Way Home

To Speak or Not to Speak
Weighing the pros and cons of revealing past trauma in court.

There Is Always a Way Forward
Therapy showed me I could build a better future for myself and my children.

Rebuilding Ourselves
After Iraq—and removal—I had to heal myself and my daughter.

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