Parenting with ptsd

[Angelwings]

Does anyone find that parenting is particularly challenging with PTSD? I had a sleepless night and my son needed my attention this morning and I felt like I didn't have anything to give. I fake it, but I'm afraid it's not enough. If I am triggered during the day it's the same, or I have to send him to my aunt so that I can get control of myself. Sometimes I have to have other people pick him up from school. I feel like I'm falling short.

 

[Mach123]

It's terrible? It was wonderful having my childhood with them when they were young but I see what my PTSD did to them all. Some more, some less. It's hard for me to think about. My stepson in particular but all of them show signs of the influence of it. Everyone suffered because I was suffering. We did the best we could. It wasn't easy.

 

[DharmaGirl]

You are doing a great job! You have identified times when you need a break, you don't let yourself get out of control when he is around. This is so important!

 

[Still Standing]

Oh, Angelwings, I was the worst parent. I did not realize I had PTSD then but it ruled me with an iron fist. PTSD was the parent. I had no help with the kids and had no means in which to have "time out" from them. You have an advantage in that you know why you are feeling or reacting and have a means in which to try to distract from it via therapy, coping skills or having someone able to give you a break. In hindsight, had there been parenting classes when I was raising my kids, they would have been a great help in knowing how to relate and act toward children. Perhaps a parenting class would be useful for you, too. Ask your therapist how to raise a child while in the throes of PTSD symptoms.

 

[Angelwings]

Oh, Angelwings, I was the worst parent. I did not realize I had PTSD then but it ruled me with...

@Still Standing I love parenting classes, actually. I practice attachment parenting and gentle parenting. LR Knost is my favorite parenting author. My son is a pretty good kid, but suffers from PTSD from a car accident, he's on the autism specturm, has sensory issues and OCD. He has high needs, and I'm able to meet them most of the time, I guess, I just can't some days. I try not to make the mistakes my parents made, and the mistakes I've seen my sister make, so I'm pretty hard on myself about it. The days when both of us are out of sorts can be the hardest. Having family around is invaluable. I will for sure ask my new therapist about it. Another thing for the growing list, lol.

 

[somerandomguy]

Thanks for starting this thread. I too struggle with this. I've been reading a book that I find helpful: Parenting From the Inside Out.

 

[Angelwings]

Thanks for starting this thread. I too struggle with this. I've been reading a book that I find he...

@somerandomguy my therapist has that book. Maybe I'll snag it.

 

[CdnCopper]

I often feel like I failed mine in one way or another, but I also know I did the best that I could given the cards that were dealt.