Post-Traumatic Parenting - by Robyn Koslowitz (Hardcover)

About the Book

Many parents are aware of their trauma and suspect that it is adversely influencing their parenting behaviors, but they aren't sure where to turn. Post-Traumatic Parenting is a clear, easy-to-follow guide, offering both "what to do" and "why it works" so parents can refashion their trauma residue and turn their past into their parenting superpower.

Book Synopsis

"I want to parent differently than the way I was parented; I know what not to do, but I'm not so sure about what I should do."

Every good parent wants to create relationships with their children that are filled with joy, connection, and healthy attachment. Yet well-meaning but traumatized parents--those who suffered as children or who are dealing with traumatic events as adults--tend to see the world from a survival point of view. If that's you, you might suspect that your own trauma is negatively influencing your parenting behaviors. Where can you turn for support and wisdom?

Post-Traumatic Parenting goes far beyond the fad social-media trends like "gentle" and "responsive" parenting to provide a clear, easy-to-follow, and substantive guide, offering both what to do and why it works, so traumatized parents can create the kind of relationship they want with their children of any age. In this book, you'll learn how to properly adjust your techniques and strategies, act in accordance with your defined parenting values, and, best of all, create your own survival strategies and flip them into your parenting superpower.

Experienced, renowned traumatic parenting expert, workshop leader, speaker, and founder of the Center for Psychological Growth, a large children's therapeutic practice in New Jersey, child psychologist Dr. Robyn Koslowitz directly explains exactly how every post-traumatic parent can reverse the damage from their own traumas and forge a strong, healthy relationship with their children. Finally, you can find true joy in the day-to-day of parenting. It's time to recognize that post-traumatic parenting is a deep, authentic, powerful healing journey. It features easy-to-follow instructions, along with simple tools, to help you effectively parent your children, no matter what happened in the past. Let Post-Traumatic Parenting help you break the cycle, enjoy the journey, and create healthy, joyful, dynamic, lasting relationships with your children. It is a singular guide to becoming the parent you always wanted to be.

Review Quotes

"[An] empowering debut.... Koslowitz's empathy and wisdom will be a boon for struggling parents." --Publishers Weekly

"Dr. Robyn Koslowitz is bringing light to such an important topic. This book is an emotional road map for any parent trying to break generational cycles." --Kimberly Shannon Murphy, award-winning stuntwoman and author of Glimmer: A Story of Survival, Hope and Healing

"To the millions of parents who feel alone carrying childhood trauma into their parenting--Dr. Robyn Koslowitz's Post-Traumatic Parenting is the gift and guide they need. In this completely original book, full of heart and scientifically proven methods, parents will find a home with hope and direction. Dr. Koslowitz's wise words provide an antidote to the isolation and even shame that parents working through trauma feel, and lay out clearly 'in the heat of the moment' steps to create connection between yourself and your child, compassionately lighting up the way to help you be the parent you want to be." --Tamar Chansky, PhD, author of Freeing Yourself from Anxiety and Freeing Your Child from Anxiety

"Dr. Robyn Koslowitz's book finally brings attention to the effects of trauma on parenting and its impact on children. Perfect for parents who worry that their trauma could adversely affect their children, who have trouble saying 'no, ' or who feel they have to be perfect at parenting in order to spare their children. Koslowitz aims to put an end to the effects of intergenerational trauma." --Janina Fisher, PhD, author of Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors and Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma

"This is the book that I have been waiting for! It offers exactly the kind of wisdom and guidance that post-traumatic parents need as they strive to be their best selves in caring for their children." --Deborah L. Korn, PsyD, clinical psychologist and trauma specialist; coauthor of Every Memory Deserves Respect: EMDR the Proven Trauma Therapy with the Power to Heal

"If you have ever experienced trauma, this book is a must-read. Post-traumatic parenting is a vital resource that empowers parents to transform their challenges into strength and connection." --Nicole Amoyal Pensak, PhD, PMH-C, clinical psychologist and author of Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain

"Dr. Koslowitz comprehensively explains how parents can heal from their own trauma so that they can be more emotionally responsive and available to their children. In user-friendly language, she explains how post-traumatic parenting can manifest itself in different ways, and then offers practical healing strategies. Post-traumatic parenting has not received enough attention in the mental health field. Fortunately, Dr. Koslowitz's book fills that gap." --Sandee McClowry, PhD, RN, FAAN, developer of New INSIGHTS into Children's Temperament and professor emerita, New York University

"I strongly recommend this caring and practical book for any parent who wants to move beyond their traumatic past toward greater understanding and more empowered and empowering relationships with their children." --Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, creator of the Kids Ask Dr. Friendtastic podcast