The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma} EP 253: Caring for your Own Watchdog and Possum as a Parent with a History of Trauma: Part 4 of 6
Content note: This episode discusses trauma, nervous system activation, and protective responses such as shutdown, dissociation, anger, and urgency. There are no graphic details, but please take care while listening.
If you have a history of trauma, your watchdog and possum parts have likely been working hard for a long time. And when you’re parenting a child with big baffling behaviors, those protectors can get loud.
In this episode, we draw inspiration from Dan Siegel’s work to explore what it means to be with your watchdog and possum without becoming them. This isn’t about silencing your protectors. It’s about building a relationship with them.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How state integration allows you to notice your watchdog and possum parts without fusing with them
- Why curiosity and compassion widen your window of tolerance more effectively than control or self-criticism
- How caring for your protective parts begins with awareness, gratitude, and understanding what they need
Resources mentioned in this podcast:
Read the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/caringforyourown
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