10: Stress and trauma in children - A conversation with Dr. Aletha Solter

This episode is a conversation with Aletha Solter PhD about the impact of stress and trauma on children. Aletha is the founder of the Aware Parenting approach and the Aware Parenting Institute. In this episode, we go into the ways that children heal, how we can support this innate wisdom in them and why children turn to aggressive behaviors such as hitting.

Did you know that children’s aggressive behavior is tied to stress and trauma, and to their attempts to heal from it?

If we’re used to responding with judgement and anger, saying things like “Stop! Hitting is not allowed!” or “We don’t hit!” we’re actually getting in the way of what they really need in that situation. But of course, we don't want them to continue hitting. So what to do instead? This is what you’ll learn about in this episode.

With Aware Parenting we can support our children to heal from stress and trauma while they are still children, and we can help our children become willing to cooperate without the use of punishments or rewards.

This is a different parenting paradigm from the one most parents of today have experienced themselves. Aletha and I acknowledge the inner work that most parents feel called to do in order to practice Aware Parenting and their need for support on that journey.

Do you want to learn more and be supported?

I (Marthe) support parents in doing their inner (re-parenting) work alongside parenting with Aware Parenting.

To learn more about my support group for parents, which really is a program with both teaching and support, go to https://www.martheschneider.com/journey

For 1:1 mentoring with me, go to https://www.martheschneider.com/mentoring-for-mothers

To learn more about Aware Parenting, we recommend reading Aletha Solter’s books. Also, Aletha offers workshops and individual consultations for parents. You can find information about all of these offerings on The Aware Parenting Institute website: https://www.awareparenting.com

PS: If you found this episode interesting, you might also enjoy listening to episode 11 where I share about my own journey with anger and aggression.

And, if you found this episode helpful, would you be willing to let me know? I love hearing back from you! Also, if you want to help spread this information, you can do that by leaving a review or share the episode - or both!

Love, Marthe