Today we’re diving into the ways our own trauma can shape how we show up as parents, and how we can begin to break those inherited cycles with Dr. Robyn Koslowitz, a clinical child psychologist, trauma treatment expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be. In our conversation, Robyn shares insights from her book, including the concept of “secret ACEs,” the “trauma app” that can override our instincts, and the different subtypes of post-traumatic parenting. We also talk about how to recognize our triggers, the importance of self-care, and the role of the inner child in this work. Robyn’s approach blends research, clinical wisdom, and lived experience, and she offers practical hacks for navigating the challenges of parenting when trauma is part of our story.
About Dr. Robyn Koslowitz
Dr. Robyn Koslowitz is a clinical child psychologist, trauma treatment expert, and author of Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be. As the founder of the Post-Traumatic Parenting model, Dr. Koslowitz helps parents break free from inherited patterns and become the parents their children—and their inner child—need. Her core message is simple yet profound: Your inner child can’t raise a child, but raising your real-world child can heal your inner child.
Dr. Koslowitz combines research-backed tools, clinical insights, and lived experience to help parents transform trauma into growth. As she says, Adulting is hard. Adulting is especially hard if you never childed.And parenting? That’s adulting on steroids. Her “trauma app” metaphor has reached thousands, empowering parents to recognize and rewrite the patterns that no longer serve them—or their children.
Things you'll learn from this episode
How trauma can shape parenting by acting as a mirror, map, and motivator for healing
Why hidden or “secret” ACEs accumulate and impact the way parents show up with their children
How children often reveal a parent’s triggers, creating opportunities for growth and repair
Why post-traumatic parenting can manifest in patterns like paralysis, perfectionism, or disengagement
How healing begins with befriending our instincts and using the AIM method of acceptance, integration, and meaning-making
Why self-care and play are essential tools for connection, regulation, and attunement in parenting
Resources mentioned
Dr. Robyn Koslowitz’s website
Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle, Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be by Dr. Robyn Koslowitz
Post-Traumatic Parenting Podcast
Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Instagram
Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on LinkedIn
Dr. Robyn Koslowitz on Threads
Dr. Robyn Koslowitz’s YouTube channel
Erik Erikson
Georgie Wisen-Vincent on Unlocking Our Kids’ Emotional Balance and Resilience with The Way of Play (Tilt Parenting podcast)
The Way of Play: Using Little Moments of Big Connection to Raise Kind and Confident Kids by Tina Payne Bryson and Georgie Wisen-Vincent
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