EP 253: Caring for your Own Watchdog and Possum as a Parent with a History of Trauma: Part 4 of 6

Content note: This episode discusses trauma, nervous system activation, and protective responses such as shutdown, dissociation, anger, and urgency. There are no graphic details, but please take care while listening.
If you have a history of trauma, your watchdog and possum parts have likely been working hard for a long time. And when you’re parenting a child with big baffling behaviors, those protectors can get loud.
In this episode, we draw inspiration from Dan Siegel’s work to explore what it means to be with your watchdog and possum without becoming them. This isn’t about silencing your protectors. It’s about building a relationship with them.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How state integration allows you to notice your watchdog and possum parts without fusing with them
• Why curiosity and compassion widen your window of tolerance more effectively than control or self-criticism
• How caring for your protective parts begins with awareness, gratitude, and understanding what they need

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
• Free Resources Hub! (robyngobbel.com/freeresources)
• Robyngobbel.com/webinar (robyngobbel.com/webinar)

Read the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/caringforyourown (robyngobbel.com/caringforyourown)
We can't wait to review your application for the BBTI's Immersion Program for Professionals.
Go now to RobynGobbel.com/apply .
Applications are already streaming in and registration is starting to fill up!
We are waiting to read your application for the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Immersion Program for Professionals!
RobynGobbel.com/immersion for every detail about the program you could be curious about!
Grab a copy of USA Today Best Selling book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/book
Join us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClub (robyngobbel.com/theclub)
Sign up on the waiting list for the 2027 Cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Immersion Program for Professionals robyngobbel.com/Immersion (robyngobbel.com/immersion)
Follow Me On:
Facebook (facebook.com/robyngobbelmsw)
Instagram (instagram.com/robyn.gobbel)
Over on my website you can find:
Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (robyngobbel.com/masterclass) (FREE)
eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (robyngobbel.com/ebook) (FREE)
LOTS & LOTS of FREE Resources (robyngobbel.com/freeresources)
Ongoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The Club (robyngobbel.com/theclub)
Year-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly (robyngobbel.com/immersion)Being With) (rovyngobbel.com/immersion)