Intergenerational Trauma

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How can something that happened in past generations impact us now and affect the way we parent? Join our conversation with Beth Tyson, a childhood trauma consultant and former family-based trauma therapist. She is the author of the children’s books A Grandfamily for Sullivan and Sullivan Goes to See Mama.

In this episode, we cover:

• What is intergenerational trauma? In essence, intergenerational trauma is the passing of the emotional pain of one generation to another.
• What are some other names it goes by? (generational trauma, historical trauma, or multigenerational trauma)
• What types of events can cause intergenerational trauma? (personal and more widespread events)
• How can trauma that happened 100 years ago impact us now?
• What are the symptoms of intergenerational trauma that we might see in future generations?
• How to recognize behavior that is triggering intergenerational trauma?
• Researchers are also looking into the possible role of “epigenetic changes.” 
• How do we know if what we are doing or how we are responding is the result of intergenerational trauma? Questions to ask ourselves about us or our relatives.
• ACEs Adverse Childhood Adversity study.
• How to heal from this type of trauma?
  • Recognize that it exists.
  • Basic background info can be used in understanding trauma.
  • Become a detective of your past.
  • What brings up big emotions in you from your child’s behavior?
  • Apologize when we make mistakes. Acknowledge your mistake.
  • Positive childhood experiences.
  • Children need to be “claimed.” They need to belong and have one person who is committed to them.
  • Traditions.
  • Connecting to their history—cultural, religious, family. 
  • Put as many of their family connections in their life as is possible.
  • Resiliency through moderate and predictable stressors. Ex. sports. 
• Practical tips that can help you when you’re in the heat of the moment.
  • Somatic stimulation.
  • Recognize the arc of the behavior.
  • Have mantras to help you cope. “My child is a good child who is having a hard time. I’m a good parent who is having a hard time.”
• For kinship families (although it can be applicable to all families), how do you deal with guilt that you potentially passed on your trauma to your child, and now the child you are raising is suffering as a result?

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