What Is Generational Trauma — and How It Shows Up in Your Child’s Behavior
- kendradelahooke
- Apr 24
- 5 min read
Trauma isn’t just something an individual experiences. Science shows it can echo across generations, shaping not only our lives but also our children’s. Generational trauma, also known as intergenerational trauma or transgenerational trauma, refers to trauma passed down from one generation to the next.
During the therapy process, while our therapists help parents understand their impact on their child's well being, there’s an inevitable conversation that comes up. That is, how long have these patterns been going on for our family? Can my daughter or son be the first one to change this trajectory? Our therapists do what they can to avoid the unresolved pain and coping mechanisms of past generations being unknowingly inherited by children. While parents and caregivers often strive to create safe, nurturing spaces, the shadow of historical trauma, domestic violence, adverse childhood experiences, and even long-term maternal stress can linger. If your child’s behavior sometimes feels inexplicable, generational trauma could be at the root.
This blog explores the concept of generational trauma, how it manifests in your child, and ways to support their mental health and well-being.
Understanding Generational Trauma
Generational trauma is deeply rooted in the way humans experience and process trauma. When someone experiences a traumatic event such as domestic violence, child abuse, intimate partner violence, war, or displacement, the effects can go beyond individual psychological distress. Studies in the field of world psychiatry and on collective trauma, like those involving Holocaust survivors or refugee families, show how trauma exposure can impact future generations.
How does trauma transmit across generations?
Trauma transmission happens through several pathways:
Biological Mechanisms: Stress and trauma can alter gene expression, a process often referred to as epigenetics. This means the biological responses to extreme stress or traumatic experiences can be inherited.
Behavior and Parenting: Parents and caregivers who have endured adversity may unconsciously replicate certain patterns of behavior or coping mechanisms. For example, parental trauma can impact how they respond to their child’s emotions.
Nonverbal Communication: Children are highly sensitive to the emotional states of family members. If a parent struggles with unresolved trauma symptoms such as anxiety or psychological symptoms, it can affect the child’s sense of safety and security.
How Generational Trauma Shows Up in Children's Behavior
Children may not have the words to express the weight of inherited trauma, but their behavior often speaks volumes. It's important to know the signs to avoid misjudging their actions.
Common Behavioral Indicators:
Behavioral Disturbances
Sudden emotional outbursts, defiance, or aggression may actually be survival strategies learned through trauma transmission. These are subconscious ways to process early childhood trauma or stress within the family environment.
Difficulty with Social Interactions
Challenges in forming and maintaining friendships, excessive shyness, or withdrawal may signal feelings of insecurity rooted in inherited trauma.
Trouble Regulating Emotions
Children of trauma survivors may experience heightened anxiety, difficulty calming down after stress, and hypersensitivity to perceived danger.
Somatic Complaints
Psychological trauma often manifests in the body. Look out for unexplained headaches, stomach aches, or other physical complaints.
Performance Anxiety or Perfectionism
Children who carry the expectations or fears of past generations may overperform or withdraw from activities to avoid perceived failure.
Misinterpreted Behaviors
Many children’s trauma symptoms may be mistakenly labeled as “bad behavior.” For example, a child acting out in class might be dealing with residual stress passed down from adverse childhood experiences or even trauma experienced by their parents.
The Long-Term Impact of Generational Trauma
The effects of intergenerational trauma can influence a child’s development into adulthood, making early support crucial. Without intervention, trauma’s reach can extend across future generations, perpetuating cycles of pain and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Potential Long-Term Outcomes:
Increased risk for mental health conditions, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Difficulty forming healthy relationships due to unresolved relational safety issues in the family unit.
The continued presence of chronic stress, impacting both physical health and emotional resilience.
The Mind-Body Approach to Healing
Healing from generational trauma begins with understanding its roots and acknowledging its presence. At CTC LA we believe that taking a mind-body approach is essential in order to address both a child’s emotional well-being and their physical health. This approach leads to results that stretch far beyond traditional talk therapy alone.
Why a Mind-Body Approach?
Trauma lives in the body. Techniques that incorporate mindfulness, movement, and emotional regulation are more effective than traditional methods focused solely on the mind. Our therapists also collaborate with other professionals such as occupational therapists and pediatricians to make sure every system of the body is understood, seen and appropriately treated.
Strategies That Support Healing:
Intentional Movement
Physical activities such as yoga, dance, or even simple stretching can help children release built-up tension and process emotions through movement. These activities not only promote physical health but also offer a safe and creative way for children to express what they may not be able to put into words.
Mindfulness Practices
Techniques like meditation, deep breathing exercises, and grounding practices are powerful tools for helping children manage stress and regulate their nervous systems. These practices encourage a sense of calm and teach children how to stay present in the moment, which can be especially helpful during challenging times.
Creative Therapies
Engaging in art, music, or play therapy gives children a nonverbal way to explore and express their feelings. Drawing, painting, playing an instrument, or role-playing can help children process complex emotions in a safe and supportive environment, fostering emotional growth and resilience.
Treatment Options for Generational Trauma
There is no quick fix for inherited trauma, but with the right support, families can break the cycle. Combining therapy, family support, parenting therapy, and holistic approaches can build resilience and foster healing.
Professional Therapy Options:
Trauma Therapy
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or child psychiatry tailored to trauma survivors can help uncover and address inherited trauma.
EMDR
EMDR for teenagers and children can be a fantastic intervention to break the cycle of family stress, anxiety, and relationship dysfunction. EMDR combined with parenting support and play or art therapy can be a winning combination to overcome intergenerational patterns.
Family Therapy
A family-focused approach ensures healing for the entire family unit and strengthens protective factors in children. Our therapists are trained to use a gentle yet direct approach to spot the root cause of family conflict in order to change patterns, improve relationships and inspire new, joyful ways of being together.
Holistic and Lifestyle Approaches:
Creating safe, predictable environments fosters a sense of security in homes. Children and teenagers thrive when they have predictability in their environments and relationships and it is often the first intervention we focus on.
Having open and honest communication about family history can reduce shame and stigma and increase feelings of safety and connectedness.
Building new coping strategies together as a family, like journaling or practicing self-compassion. Kristen Neff at The Center for Mindful Self-Compassion is an incredible resource for families and parents looking to develop self-compassion techniques and practices.
Seeking Support at Child Therapy Center LA
If you suspect that generational trauma is playing a role in your child’s behavior, know that you’re not alone. At Child Therapy Center LA, we’re here to help families heal using evidence-based, neuroscience-backed approaches.
Whether you prefer in-person sessions in Southern California or virtual therapy from the comfort of home, our trauma therapists specialize in helping children process trauma, build resilience, and thrive emotionally.
Our services go beyond symptom management. We connect with the root of the problem, offering strategies, tools, and emotional care tailored to your child’s unique experience.
Schedule an Intro Call to explore how we can support your family’s healing journey.
Breaking the Cycle of Trauma
Generational trauma does not have to define your child’s life. With awareness, early intervention, and the right support, families can transform inherited trauma into opportunities for resilience and growth.
Your child has the potential to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically, free from the weight of the past.
Start the healing process today—for your child, for your family, and for future generations.
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