The Messy Middle of Trauma Parenting

Maybe you see pretty pictures of my family and ask my “expert opinion,” and maybe you create an idealized image of what our day to day is actually like. Maybe you see us as some poster family for trauma parenting.

But you should know, in real life, this family looks like no poster you’d want. Partially because we’re messy. My kids are. I am. But also because, well, trauma parenting is always messy.

Trauma parenting isn’t as simple as following methods and getting results. It’s a long term process of partnering with our kids in their healing.

Retraining our children’s brains and bodies and beliefs for connection & safety & trust & attachment & regulation are not quick fixes. “Results” won’t come in the moment. Change won’t happen overnight. “Success” is something you’ll see much later, may look different than you ever expected, may need to be redefined completely.

Healing is a journey. A long term journey. Do the work of faithful, faith-filled parenting. Trust God for the results. And get comfortable with the messy middle of trauma parenting.