Have you ever found yourself lying awake at night, haunted by the thought that you're somehow ruining your children? That nagging voice whispering you're too damaged to raise whole, healthy humans? If so, you're not alone in this struggle, mama.

In this raw and honest episode, I'm peeling back the layers of shame and self-doubt that so many of us carry as mothers healing from trauma. We're diving deep into the heart of those painful thoughts that tell us we're failing our little ones every single day.

But here's the truth bomb you need to hear: That critical voice in your head? It's not reality - it's your trauma talking. Those moments when you snap or shut down aren't a reflection of your worth as a mother. They're echoes of pain you weren't allowed to express as a child.

I'm sharing a powerful mantra from my book "Breaking Free" that just might change everything:

"My triggers are not a reflection of my failure as a mother. They are echoes of the pain I wasn't allowed to express as a child."

Let that sink in for a moment. Your reactions aren't signs of brokenness - they're brilliant adaptations your nervous system created to survive. And now, as you learn to reparent yourself while raising your children, you're doing something truly heroic.

In this episode, I guide you through a gentle exercise to reconnect with yourself and plant seeds of self-compassion. It's a chance to breathe, settle into your body, and whisper words of kindness to the parts of you that need it most.

If this conversation touches something tender in you, please know you're not the only one struggling. Your desire to do better, even in the midst of the mess, is proof that you're already rewriting your story.

For those ready to dig deeper, I introduce my book "Breaking Free: Parenting in the Midst of Trauma Recovery." It's not just a manual - it's a lifeline filled with raw truth, practical tools, and the compassion you've always deserved but were never taught to give yourself. Order your copy here:

books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfreelaunch

Mama, you are not broken. You are breaking free. And I'm here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

Have you ever felt like parenting was a rollercoaster ride you couldn't get off? For those of us navigating the challenges of raising complex or neurospicy kids while dealing with our own trauma responses, it can feel like a perfect storm of chaos and overwhelm.

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Diane Dempster from Impact Parents to explore the intricate dance between neurodiversity, trauma, and parenting. We unpack the hidden struggles many of us face and offer practical strategies to break free from shame cycles and reactive patterns.

Diane shares her wealth of experience in supporting parents of complex kids, emphasizing the power of neurodiversity-informed coaching tools. We discuss:

• The interplay between trauma and neurodiversity in both parents and children
• How coaching techniques can empower kids to overcome obstacles and foster independence
• The importance of recognizing and working with your child's unique neurological makeup

One of the most powerful insights Diane offers is the role shame plays in perpetuating our struggles. We explore:

• How to recognize and interrupt the trigger-react-shame cycle
• Practical tools for cultivating self-compassion in challenging moments
• The transformative power of normalizing our experiences without excusing harmful behaviors

"Nobody wants to cause an ACE (Adverse Childhood Experience). I believe that everybody does the best they can." - Diane Dempster

Diane introduces a game-changing approach to managing family dynamics:

• Creating a shared language and toolbox for emotional regulation
• The power of partnering with your children to find solutions that work for everyone
• How transparency and accountability can strengthen your relationship with your kids

We dive into specific strategies you can use when emotions run high:

• The "order of operations" for de-escalating tense situations
• Creative ways to meet both your needs and your child's needs simultaneously
• The importance of understanding your own patterns and triggers

If you're ready to transform your approach to parenting and break free from the chains of shame and reactivity, this episode is your roadmap to creating a more peaceful, understanding home environment. Listen now and take the first step towards becoming the parent you've always wanted to be – for yourself and your children. Connect with Diane- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ImpactParents Parenting With Impact podcast: https://impactparents.com/podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/impactparents/ Resources: https://impactparents.com/resources/

Have you ever felt the weight of generational trauma pressing down on your shoulders as you navigate motherhood? That overwhelming desire to do things differently, to break free from the patterns that have haunted your family for generations? You're not alone in this struggle, mama.

As a trauma survivor and trigger recovery coach, I've walked this path myself. Today, I'm opening up about what it truly means to be a cycle breaker - and let me tell you, it's far from the polished, Instagram-worthy image we often see.

Being a cycle breaker isn't just about making bold declarations or creating vision boards (though those can certainly help). It's about:

• Choosing to stay present when every fiber of your being wants to shut down
• Taking that crucial pause before reacting, even if it's just for one breath
• Getting back up and trying again, not because it's easy, but because you know deep in your soul that this pain stops with you

I vividly remember the moment my own healing journey truly began. Just weeks after giving birth to my first child, I was hit by a tsunami of repressed emotions. In that raw, vulnerable state, I had to make a choice: run away or face the unknown.

I chose to stay - not because I felt strong, but because my love for my daughter was more powerful than my fear of confronting my own pain. That decision became the catalyst for profound change in my life and ultimately led to the creation of my new book, "Breaking Free: Parenting in the Midst of Trauma Recovery."

Here's the truth, mama: cycle breaking is exhausting, messy, and often thankless work. You're:

• Learning to feel emotions you were never given permission to have
• Building boundaries no one taught you how to create
• Showing up with intention while still tending to your own wounds

But I want you to hear this loud and clear: Your efforts are incredibly brave and powerful. Even the desire to break the cycle is an act of resistance against generations of pain.

If you're ready to take the next step in your healing journey, I have something special to offer. My book, "Breaking Free," is now available for pre-order. This isn't a polished manual with all the answers - it's a raw, honest exploration of what it really takes to heal while raising tiny humans.

When you pre-order, you'll not only secure your copy but also:

• Gain entry into a special giveaway (running throughout July 2025)
• Receive exclusive bonuses to support your healing journey

Are you ready to move from simply surviving to truly thriving? Visit the link below to pre-order your copy of "Breaking Free" and take a powerful step towards the peace and healing you deserve. 👉🏼 books.mamahoodaftertrauma.ca/breakingfreelaunch

Remember, mama - you're not broken. You're breaking free, and your story is only just beginning.