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Post-Traumatic Parenting: Break the Cycle and Become the Parent You Always Wanted to Be
"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.
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.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2025
18 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 13, 2025
What an eye opening read, when I tell you I walked away with pages of notes and a new outlook on parenting I’m not lying. I was amazed by the things that I learned and can’t wait to apply them through my journey as a new mom. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 1, 2025
**This is a review for the audiobook version that NetGalley provided**
Parenting is a tough job in general but parenting with anxiety and other psychological issues makes it even harder. I struggle a lot of times with parenting my two children where my emotions get the best of me. Dr. Koslowitz gives a breakdown of how a post-traumatic parent can work through their emotions by mental exercises and practices that the reader can do at home. She is a "gentle parenting" advocate so if you are not one for "gentle parenting" this book does discuss that method in a few chapters.
I really enjoyed this book that I ended up purchasing it so that I can go back and reference exercises or pieces of information that I feel I can apply to my parenting style.
Parenting is a tough job in general but parenting with anxiety and other psychological issues makes it even harder. I struggle a lot of times with parenting my two children where my emotions get the best of me. Dr. Koslowitz gives a breakdown of how a post-traumatic parent can work through their emotions by mental exercises and practices that the reader can do at home. She is a "gentle parenting" advocate so if you are not one for "gentle parenting" this book does discuss that method in a few chapters.
I really enjoyed this book that I ended up purchasing it so that I can go back and reference exercises or pieces of information that I feel I can apply to my parenting style.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
This book is a quick and engaging read that offers valuable insights and practical strategies for effective parenting. The author includes relatable examples that clarify the concepts, allowing parents to reflect on their own styles and develop approaches tailored to their families.
Additionally, the book explores topics related to childhood trauma and PTSD. While I did not experience childhood trauma, I believe this section could be particularly beneficial for readers who have faced such challenges.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Overall, it serves as a helpful resource for parents looking to enhance their understanding of parenting and navigate the complexities of childhood/parenting trauma.
Additionally, the book explores topics related to childhood trauma and PTSD. While I did not experience childhood trauma, I believe this section could be particularly beneficial for readers who have faced such challenges.
I want to thank NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. Overall, it serves as a helpful resource for parents looking to enhance their understanding of parenting and navigate the complexities of childhood/parenting trauma.
July 2, 2025
I met Dr. Koslowitz through Instagram either before or during 2020. She does a "Therapy Thursdays" IG Live each week where we discuss various topics related to the topic of post-traumatic parenting, which can be described as adults trying to parent while grappling with their own history of trauma. I am proud to call Dr. K one of my mentors, as her teachings and gentle guidance are what ultimately encouraged me to pursue grad. school to become a psychologist too.
So far, I have only read the Introduction to this book, but I feel strongly enough about the material and the nature of the writing to give it 5 stars. Dr. K graciously shares her own history of trauma, and how it impacted her parenting, at one point describing herself as a "duck" - a creature that appears serene on the surface, but was frantically peddling away underneath to stay afloat. I could relate strongly to this metaphor; as she says "Sometimes, trauma teaches us to be more independent, productive, and motivated than everyone else. But behind that productivity and that hustle is a whole lot of pain."
She addresses how the crux of post-traumatic parenting is not being able to recognize what it means to have a neurotypical childhood, because we as post-traumatic parents, didn't have healthy or "normal" childhoods ourselves. How are we supposed to provide something we never got? Dr. K explains how certain psychological functions in your brain have been rewired, and you need to reclaim them for parenting in order to have a meaningful relationship with one's own children.
I am childfree, so I don't have children and don't intend to have children. But, I feel this book can be utilized by both parents and non-parents alike. We childfree folks may not be parenting physical children, but we are reparenting our inner child. From the discussions in "Therapy Thursdays" on Instagram to this book, I feel Dr. K provides practical, pertinent advice on how to make meaning of your suffering, in order to control it (instead of it controlling you).
I look forward to reading the rest of this book as a complement to my graduate studies and personal journey as someone diagnosed with complex PTSD. :)
So far, I have only read the Introduction to this book, but I feel strongly enough about the material and the nature of the writing to give it 5 stars. Dr. K graciously shares her own history of trauma, and how it impacted her parenting, at one point describing herself as a "duck" - a creature that appears serene on the surface, but was frantically peddling away underneath to stay afloat. I could relate strongly to this metaphor; as she says "Sometimes, trauma teaches us to be more independent, productive, and motivated than everyone else. But behind that productivity and that hustle is a whole lot of pain."
She addresses how the crux of post-traumatic parenting is not being able to recognize what it means to have a neurotypical childhood, because we as post-traumatic parents, didn't have healthy or "normal" childhoods ourselves. How are we supposed to provide something we never got? Dr. K explains how certain psychological functions in your brain have been rewired, and you need to reclaim them for parenting in order to have a meaningful relationship with one's own children.
I am childfree, so I don't have children and don't intend to have children. But, I feel this book can be utilized by both parents and non-parents alike. We childfree folks may not be parenting physical children, but we are reparenting our inner child. From the discussions in "Therapy Thursdays" on Instagram to this book, I feel Dr. K provides practical, pertinent advice on how to make meaning of your suffering, in order to control it (instead of it controlling you).
I look forward to reading the rest of this book as a complement to my graduate studies and personal journey as someone diagnosed with complex PTSD. :)
July 6, 2025
As someone who lives with complex PTSD and is raising two kids, Post-Traumatic Parenting hit me right in the heart from the very first pages. I’ve spent years in therapy trying to break the painful cycles I grew up with, but no matter how hard I try, frequently I find myself reacting in ways I wish I wouldn’t. I often feel like my kids get what’s left of me, not the best of me.
Reading Dr. Robyn Koslowitz’s book was like being seen, validated, and gently guided all at once. I was in tears midway through the introduction, not just because of the recognition of my struggle, but because, for the first time in a long time, I felt genuinely hopeful. This book is not about telling you what not to do; it teaches you what to do instead, with practical, clear, compassionate advice that feels doable, even for those of us who are still very much healing.
Dr. Koslowitz helps you understand your “Trauma App”, those reflexive survival reactions, and shows you how to rewire them so you can parent in alignment with your true values. The tools and insights here feel like a lifeline for any parent who wants to break generational patterns and build strong, loving, and safe connections with their children.
If you’ve ever said, “I want to parent differently than I was parented, but I don’t know how,” please read this book. It is wise, gentle, and genuinely transformative. Post-Traumatic Parenting is not just another parenting trend, it’s a real path to healing, for both you and your children.
This is a must read. It might just help you become the parent you always hoped you could be.
Reading Dr. Robyn Koslowitz’s book was like being seen, validated, and gently guided all at once. I was in tears midway through the introduction, not just because of the recognition of my struggle, but because, for the first time in a long time, I felt genuinely hopeful. This book is not about telling you what not to do; it teaches you what to do instead, with practical, clear, compassionate advice that feels doable, even for those of us who are still very much healing.
Dr. Koslowitz helps you understand your “Trauma App”, those reflexive survival reactions, and shows you how to rewire them so you can parent in alignment with your true values. The tools and insights here feel like a lifeline for any parent who wants to break generational patterns and build strong, loving, and safe connections with their children.
If you’ve ever said, “I want to parent differently than I was parented, but I don’t know how,” please read this book. It is wise, gentle, and genuinely transformative. Post-Traumatic Parenting is not just another parenting trend, it’s a real path to healing, for both you and your children.
This is a must read. It might just help you become the parent you always hoped you could be.
June 21, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Broadleaf books for the Arc!
This was such an amazing read for me. I don’t think i can express that enough. I highly recommend any parent or non parent to read this. The book was very straightforward and easy to understand. As a parent who has childhood trauma, i felt seen and justified. It got to the point where i even cried for how understood i felt. It’s amazing to learn how our traumas affect how we parent. I started reading a month ago and put things in practice and i can tell the difference in how my toddler behaves. This book helped me look at my inner child in a different way and tell her that she’d be very proud of where i am and who i am now. I’m not saying it’s going to work for everyone but it definitely is helping me to put in practice what i’ve learned. It doesn’t matter if you have a baby or grown child, it can still help you. It’s never too late to learn something new and better yourself. I loved that the book was divided into sections of type of parents there are. As well as what can help each type of parents. It also has some exercises that can help you to make it easier. Love that the author at no point shames you either for feeling or having felt a certain way. It was definitely a 5/5 for me and i recommend.
This was such an amazing read for me. I don’t think i can express that enough. I highly recommend any parent or non parent to read this. The book was very straightforward and easy to understand. As a parent who has childhood trauma, i felt seen and justified. It got to the point where i even cried for how understood i felt. It’s amazing to learn how our traumas affect how we parent. I started reading a month ago and put things in practice and i can tell the difference in how my toddler behaves. This book helped me look at my inner child in a different way and tell her that she’d be very proud of where i am and who i am now. I’m not saying it’s going to work for everyone but it definitely is helping me to put in practice what i’ve learned. It doesn’t matter if you have a baby or grown child, it can still help you. It’s never too late to learn something new and better yourself. I loved that the book was divided into sections of type of parents there are. As well as what can help each type of parents. It also has some exercises that can help you to make it easier. Love that the author at no point shames you either for feeling or having felt a certain way. It was definitely a 5/5 for me and i recommend.
August 2, 2025
When I saw this book was possible to request on NetGalley, I knew I wanted to read it. I was recently diagnosed with PTSD after the death of my daughter, Daisy. I have a great deal of anxiety surrounding my PTSD & successfully parenting in the future, so this book was an easy choice!
This book really felt like a hug for anyone who feels like they aren't functioning well or are "failing" at their lives. The way this book reframes trauma into something that can be a skill in parenting is so incredibly important, especially in the thick of deep emotions. There are helpful exercises throughout the book that really drive that point home. There are so many sections in here for people with trauma from childhood & those who experience trauma as adults & how to combat the lies our brains tell. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone dealing with deep trauma who is a parent or hopes to be a parent someday. I truly believe this will help me throughout my journey of parenthood, and I will reference this book forever.
Thank you so much to Highbridge Audio, NetGalley, & Robyn Koslowitz for an ALC!
This book really felt like a hug for anyone who feels like they aren't functioning well or are "failing" at their lives. The way this book reframes trauma into something that can be a skill in parenting is so incredibly important, especially in the thick of deep emotions. There are helpful exercises throughout the book that really drive that point home. There are so many sections in here for people with trauma from childhood & those who experience trauma as adults & how to combat the lies our brains tell. I absolutely recommend this book for anyone dealing with deep trauma who is a parent or hopes to be a parent someday. I truly believe this will help me throughout my journey of parenthood, and I will reference this book forever.
Thank you so much to Highbridge Audio, NetGalley, & Robyn Koslowitz for an ALC!
August 4, 2025
"Post Traumatic Parenting" is a great book, even if you are not yet a parent. Being a fan of Dr. K, I thought that this book might be helpful to re-parent my wounded inner child. Despite not being a parent, I see that I am using the different methods portrayed in the various parenting types in my relationships, including my relationship with my inner child. It is amazing to see how the brain is able to adapt to so many difficult situations and create unbelievable coping mechanisms (or superpowers, as they are referred to in the book) even if those coping mechanisms create other challenges. This book has increased my self-awareness, which will surely assist me in my journey. From a stylistic perspective, the book is very engaging and enjoyable to read, and I found myself asking my husband if it was okay for me to finish just one more page, until the end of the chapter before he shut the light out.
August 6, 2025
Excellent! The most helpful self-help/childhood trauma/PTSD book I've ever read. Even if you are not a parent, this book is tremendously helpful for unpacking and processing trauma/PTSD. Her illustrative examples and friendly tone are what sets this book apart. I am often frustrated by a lack of examples in this genre of books or the examples are too specific to one client. Koslowitz provides many examples so you understand what she means or is referring to. She also gives actionable tasks and suggestions as a therapist would. Her authenticity and willingness to also include personal examples is A++
I wasn't aware she was a social media maven until I saw other reviews here. I do not use social media but if I did I would follow her.
This is also a superb parenting book with helpful, actionable suggestions and examples of what to do. I wish I had read this decades ago.
Lastly, I LOVE that the author speaks with her natural accent.
Thanks netgalley!
I wasn't aware she was a social media maven until I saw other reviews here. I do not use social media but if I did I would follow her.
This is also a superb parenting book with helpful, actionable suggestions and examples of what to do. I wish I had read this decades ago.
Lastly, I LOVE that the author speaks with her natural accent.
Thanks netgalley!
July 10, 2025
Post-Traumatic Parenting is a compassionate, insightful, and deeply empowering guide for anyone seeking to break free from the lingering effects of childhood trauma. Dr. Robyn Koslowitz weaves clinical expertise with personal experience to help parents recognize how trauma shows up in their parenting, and more importantly, how to transform it into strength. Her warmth, honesty, and actionable strategies make this book feel like a lifeline, offering hope to those who have long felt stuck in patterns they couldn't explain. This is not just a parenting book; it’s a healing journey disguised as one.
May 19, 2025
It is rare to read something that captures my CPTSD in a book but I felt this author did a great job understanding the effects of parent driven trauma and the effects it has on development, identity, self, family expectations and insecurities about not knowing how to parent. I liked how it talks about generational issues and how we can break cycles for future generations. Well researched and also easy to understand.
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August 8, 2025🎧ALC REVIEW🎧
Publication date: August 12, 2025
*I dont rate non-fiction*
VULNERABLE MOMENT ALERT!!!
As a mom with kids who carries trauma from childhood with her, I found this Robyn Koslowitz's information and tips very very helpful and will be implementing some of them within my own life. The Author did a great job of narrating as well!!
Thank you NetGalley, Robyn Koslowitz, and RB Media for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for a review!
Publication date: August 12, 2025
*I dont rate non-fiction*
VULNERABLE MOMENT ALERT!!!
As a mom with kids who carries trauma from childhood with her, I found this Robyn Koslowitz's information and tips very very helpful and will be implementing some of them within my own life. The Author did a great job of narrating as well!!
Thank you NetGalley, Robyn Koslowitz, and RB Media for an advanced listeners copy in exchange for a review!
April 24, 2025
This book was a quick and easy read. It provided insightful knowledge and strategies to help with parenting. The author provided a lot of examples to make concepts easy to understand. Parents may relate to different ways they define their own parenting from this book and how to strategize best practices for their family. Worth the read.
July 6, 2025
This book is SO validating! I've discovered I'm normal and there's a real reason for my feelings.
This book is an easy read and feels like a conversation between two friends. Can't wait to start implementing the strategies provided.
This book is an easy read and feels like a conversation between two friends. Can't wait to start implementing the strategies provided.
August 1, 2025
Transformative and helpful …hoping to parent properly in the future and I feel that I now have all the tools I need
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews