logo
episode-header-image
Dec 2023
31m 58s

Is it "bad behaviour" or trauma response...

CINDY HOVINGTON, PH.D.
About this episode

Trapped in a hospital chair at 91, my grandmother's heartfelt story paints a vivid picture of an overlooked issue in our healthcare system. Her trauma-induced aggression, misinterpreted and mishandled, opened my eyes to the crying need for a more compassionate, trauma-informed approach. Together, let's challenge the conventional healthcare narrative and understand the profound links between the young and old, their reactions often misunderstood as misbehavior or aggression.

While we journey through stories that highlight the power and importance of emotional health, we also unmask the haunting prevalence of trauma, with an alarming 60% of individuals having experienced trauma before the age of 15. How can we change our perspective and see these behaviors not as "misbehavior" but as echoes of an often silent struggle? Let's shift our mindset and approach by reframing discipline, focusing on understanding what has happened to an individual rather than labeling them as "bad". 

Finally, we tackle the issue of misbehavior in children. Digging deep into root causes, we converse on the importance of mindful parenting and the power of understanding. 

Takeaways

  • Reflect on the reasons behind children's behavior and approach it with curiosity and understanding.
  • Advocate for trauma-informed care in all aspects of society, including healthcare, education, and parenting.
  • Recognize the impact of past trauma on individuals and provide support and empathy.
  • Challenge the use of labels like 'misbehavior' and strive to understand the underlying causes.

Please leave a rating for our podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify! Email me at info@curiousneuron.com

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/curious_neuron/

Facebook group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/theemotionallyawareparent/


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! Get some discounts using the links below
Thank you to our main supporters the Tanenbaum Open Science Institute at The Neuro and the McConnell Foundation.

Discounts for our community!

  1. Pok Pok app. Click on the link below to get 50% off an entire year of this amazing open-ended play app for kids! https://playpokpok.com/redeem/?code=50CURIOUSNEURON
  2. BetterHelp is the world’s largest therapy service, and it’s 100% online. Click the link below to get 15% off the first month of therapy http://www.betterhelp.com/curiousneuron
  3. Holstee Inspiration and tools to help you live a more meaningful life. Membership, reflection cards for kids and adults:. Enjoy 20% off your purchase using the link below:
    https://www.holstee.com/?ref=curiousneuron
Up next
Jul 7
Invalidation in your relationship: Understanding the impact of dismissing emotions
Send us a textIn this podcast episode, I delve into invalidation and its significant impact on romantic relationships. I highlight common invalidating statements such as "Why are you upset?", "You're overreacting," or "Calm down," explaining that these make a partner feel their e ... Show More
29m 8s
Jun 30
Psychologist shares how learning the skill of validation can transform your relationships
Send us a textDo you ever wonder why your child’s big emotions feel so overwhelming—or why small conflicts with your partner can spiral? In this episode, I sit down with psychologist Dr. Caroline Fleck to unpack the skill of validation—what it is, why it matters, and how it can r ... Show More
59m 53s
Jun 22
What Happens When You Let Kids Just Be Kids? (And Why It Matters)
Send us a textwith Amy ChiuIn today’s fast-paced world, it can be tough to slow down and truly let kids be kids. We often get caught up in schedules, expectations, and the pressure to “make learning happen.” But what if the most powerful learning happens when we pause, play, and ... Show More
45m 33s
Recommended Episodes
Jul 2024
Why Kids Hit And How To Stop It!
Dr. Cathryn tackles the challenging topic of toddler hitting with a compassionate, big-hearted approach. We explore the various reasons behind this common behavior and introduce the E.A.S.Y. method—a practical, step-by-step strategy to help parents respond effectively. The episod ... Show More
12m 29s
Sep 2024
Tortured by My Parents (Intrafamilial Child Torture)
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/Insane and get on your way to being your best self. In this video, we explore the disturbing and often hidden issue of intrafamilial child torture—a form of severe abuse that occurs within famili ... Show More
2h 28m
Nov 2024
Is Your Child’s Whinnying Driving You Crazy?
EP:117 Hey there! 👋 In this episode, I’m diving into a topic I know so many of us can relate to: why certain noises—like our kids’ whining—feel SO triggering. I share my personal experience with my colicky, high-needs son, Charlie, and unpack the science behind why those infant ... Show More
23m 38s
Nov 2024
How Childhood Trauma Affects the Brain and Body - The ACES Study
Learn how to regulate your nervous system in my FREE online course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/grounding-skills-for-anxiety-stress-and-ptsd Childhood trauma can have a direct, lasting impact on physical health, mental health, and ability to function in society. But we ... Show More
13m 1s
Jun 23
The Follow-Up: Unlearning and Re-parenting Together
This episode is personal. My husband and I sit down for an open, honest, and vulnerable conversation about what it means to reparent ourselves while raising our son. It’s a raw look at how childhood experiences—good and bad—shape us as adults, and how we can consciously break har ... Show More
17m 6s
Aug 2024
Case Study: How Confronting Your Childhood Trauma Can Improve Your Parenting Skills
What if the hardest moments in parenting are actually the best opportunities for connection? Can the struggles we face with our kids actually help us heal our own past? Today, I'm joined by the wonderful Cammie, who shares her heartfelt journey into connected parenting. We de ... Show More
21m 31s
Dec 2023
Episode 199 | Kate's Story- A daughter with Infantile Spasms
Join me for an emotional and insightful conversation as I sit down with Kate Kostolansky in this episode of Child Life On Call. Kate, a dedicated mother and advocate, shares her touching journey of raising her daughter, Charlotte, who battles infantile spasms. In this heartfelt d ... Show More
33m 16s
Jan 2024
68 — Healing Intergenerational Trauma and Breaking the Cycle with Dr. Mariel Buqué
Intergenerational trauma is trauma that is passed down through family lines, with both biological and psychological components. That means the hardships your grandparents endured or the stressful events your parents went through might impact you in some surprising ways.Dr. Mariel ... Show More
45m 24s
Dec 2024
460: Understanding the Impact of Childhood Emotional Neglect With Dr. Jonice Webb
Welcome back to Therapy Chat! This week's episode is one that many of us will find enlightening during this holiday season. We're revisiting two previous interviews with Dr. Jonice Webb, who identified the concept of Childhood Emotional Neglect. What is it? Listen to these 2 back ... Show More
54m 42s
Apr 2
#354 - The Power of OT: Helping Autistic Children Navigate Life
Shop our OT Month SALE! Ends April 14th, 2025! https://harkla.co/pages/ot-month-saleHappy OT Month and Autism Acceptance Month! In this episode of All Things Sensory, we’re diving into the incredible role Occupational Therapy (OT) plays in supporting autistic children. Whether yo ... Show More
27m 5s