EP 253: Caring for your Own Watchdog and Possum as a Parent with a History of Trauma: Part 4 of 6
EP 253: Caring for your Own Watchdog and Possum as a Parent with a History of Trauma: Part 4 of 6  
Podcast: The Baffling Behavior Show {Parenting after Trauma}
Published On: Tue Feb 17 2026
Description: 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 themWhy curiosity and compassion widen your window of tolerance more effectively than control or self-criticismHow caring for your protective parts begins with awareness, gratitude, and understanding what they needResources mentioned in this podcast:Free Resources Hub!Robyngobbel.com/webinarRead the full transcript at: RobynGobbel.com/caringforyourownLet's hang out this summer at two different trainings for professionals!Therapy with Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors- June 1 & 2 in Syracuse, NY RobynGobbel.com/NYPresence in Practice- July 15, 16, & 17 in Rockford, MI (outside Grand Rapids) RobynGobbel.com/Michigan2026 :::Grab a copy of USA Today Best Selling book Raising Kids with Big, Baffling Behaviors robyngobbel.com/bookJoin us in The Club for more support! robyngobbel.com/TheClubSign up on the waiting list for the 2027 Cohorts of the Baffling Behavior Training Institute's Immersion Program for Professionals robyngobbel.com/ImmersionFollow Me On:FacebookInstagramOver on my website you can find:Webinar and eBook on Focus on the Nervous System to Change Behavior (FREE)eBook on The Brilliance of Attachment (FREE)LOTS & LOTS of FREE ResourcesOngoing support, connection, and co-regulation for struggling parents: The ClubYear-Long Immersive & Holistic Training Program for Parenting Professionals: The Baffling Behavior Training Institute’s (BBTI) Professional Immersion Program (formerly Being With)