Friday, June 24, 2011

Raising a Traumatized Child

I recently found a blog called Raising a Traumatized Child.  It is the true story of a little boy and his single mom and their journey through trauma.  I have been absolutely drawn to this story.  It's like a  great book. You just can't help but stay up late to read the next chapter.  I think I'm so captured by the story, because I'm living what she describes so well.  My issues are different from hers and some of Cupcake's trauma and behaviors are different from her son's.  But, overall she paints a vivid picture of life with a traumatized kid.  Much of what she writes is an exact glimpse into our lives (at least the stuff before 3rd grade).  The crazy behavior, the fierce love,  the escalation,  the rage (on both sides), the sorrow afterwards, a mother's over-arching compassion, a child's need to be loved...she ties it all together beautifully (and painfully).

Sometimes, as I'm reading, I'm thinking, "No, no!  Don't say that!  I know where this is going..."  But, in reality, I've made the same mistakes.  It's very, very hard to remain calm and compassionate in the midst of defiance and chaos.  This mom is a hero, even if she messed up at times.  I'm thankful that she is sharing her story with the world. 

I have not finished the story, so I don't know if there's a happy ending.  I do know that the drama is riveting and I can't stop reading.  If you choose to check it out, start at post 1 (which was in May) and read it in order.  Also note that there is foul language and words descriptive of se*ual abuse. 

Blessings to you,
Mamita

2 comments:

nora said...

I've read your blog for ages and always think we would have tons to talk about. Someone recommended that blog to me 2 weeks ago - a fascinating read. But its your comments that make me feel like that 2 sided rage is almost acceptable - not ideal and not o.k., but so real and so gritty. Thanks.

Dawn said...

I've been reading the blog from the beginning as well. I didn't get that you meant rage was ok, but as we know (from my text to you today) it happens. It's terribly important in these circumstances to say we are sorry. That's how our children learn forgiveness.