"Parents who experienced trauma may get furious over small things-not just annoyed, but experiencing the same fight-or-flight response they had during their original traumatic experiences. Being "triggered" is a clinical term that describes when something in the present unconsciously reminds a trauma survivor of past traumatic events. Their brain responds as if the original danger is happening again, even when the actual situation is minor. This might happen when their child asks for something over and over, or when they get interrupted while talking."
"This connects to a powerful story from podcast listener Katie. She was adopted from the USSR after her alcoholic, abusive parents spent time in prison. Katie works hard with medication and therapy to build a strong bond with her son. But she knows she gets angry very quickly. Simple things set her off. She reacts quickly and harshly when her son repeats things over and over, and when he does something she asks him not to do."
Mothers carrying shame from past trauma may have toddlers with increased mood problems. Traumatic experiences in one generation can shape parenting behaviors and emotional responses in the next. Trauma survivors can become quickly furious over minor child behaviors because their brains trigger fight-or-flight reactions when present events unconsciously resemble past danger. Being "triggered" causes the brain to respond as if the original threat is occurring, even when the current situation is minor. Repeated child requests, interruptions, or disobedience can provoke disproportionate anger. Some parents work with medication and therapy to build bonds, yet still struggle with rapid, harsh reactions.
Read at Psychology Today
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