Have you ever thought about how childhood trauma can shape your parenting style? For many of us, our experiences as children can impact how we raise our kids. In this post, we’ll explore insights from Maria Riegger, a corporate attorney, best-selling author, astrologer, and expert in trauma-informed parenting. Maria shares her personal journey and how her background has influenced her parenting philosophy, emphasizing the importance of understanding each child's unique traits through the lens of astrology.

Understanding the Connection Between Trauma and Parenting

Maria's journey into parenting began with her own experiences of childhood trauma, including being raised by a narcissistic parent and the loss of her father. She reflects on the lack of support she received as a child, stating, "I had no support. Nobody. Not at school. Therapists failed me. My parents failed me, unfortunately." This lack of support fueled her determination to ensure her own child receives the love and guidance she missed.

She emphasizes the importance of breaking negative cycles, saying, "Once you recognize [your traumatic background] for what it is and once you make the decision to heal from it, that's a gift you're giving your kids." Maria believes that acknowledging our past can empower us to be better parents, as we understand what we needed but didn't receive.

The Role of Astrology in Parenting

Astrology has been a lifelong passion for Maria. She views it as a valuable tool for self-understanding and for gaining insights into our children's personalities. "When I started to explore the energies more in detail, I came across a lot of patterns," she explains. By studying astrology, Maria believes parents can better understand their children's behaviors and needs.

She notes, "The more I talk to parents about this kind of stuff, the more validated they feel." Astrology emphasizes that children are separate beings with their own energy blueprints. "Our children are separate sovereign beings from us, not extensions of us," she asserts. This perspective helps parents nurture their children's individuality rather than impose their own expectations.

Building Healthy Parent-Child Relationships

Maria shares key lessons she has learned in her journey as a trauma-informed parenting expert. The first lesson is the importance of connection. "Make sure you have a good connection with your kids," she advises. This connection is built on unconditional love, where children understand that their worth is not tied to their behavior. "When your kids clearly understand that you love them no matter what, that is crucial," she adds.

Maria highlights the significance of positive interactions. "You want to make sure you have exponentially more positive moments than negative moments," she explains. This can be achieved through simple activities that foster companionship and open communication. "Maybe just do an activity, just the two of you, where there’s no pressure to do anything," she suggests. This approach creates a safe space for children to express themselves and feel valued.

Emotional Regulation and Validation

Another essential aspect of parenting is emotional regulation. Maria emphasizes the need for parents to validate their children's feelings, even when those feelings seem trivial to adults. "To a kid, it’s not trivial," she points out. This validation helps children feel understood and accepted, which is critical for building their self-esteem.

Maria encourages parents to model healthy emotional responses. "The more you do that, the easier it gets," she says about catching oneself when reverting to negative behaviors from childhood. This self-awareness fosters a healthier dynamic between parents and their children.

Conscious Parenting Through Understanding

Maria's work also focuses on understanding each child's unique traits. She believes that parenting should be tailored to each child’s specific energy and needs. "You have to parent the child you have," she states, emphasizing that each child comes with their own set of characteristics that must be respected and nurtured.

She highlights the importance of authoritative parenting, which fosters open communication and mutual respect. Studies support this approach, linking it to healthier adolescent behaviors. "When you respect kids and engage in open dialogue, they are more likely to follow the rules," she explains.

Breaking Generational Patterns

Maria discusses the common themes of procrastination, people-pleasing, and defensiveness that often accompany those who have experienced childhood trauma. "These are legacies of adult children with complex PTSD," she notes. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for breaking the cycle of trauma.

She encourages parents to embrace imperfection, stating, "If I can’t do this perfectly, I’m just not gonna do it at all." This mindset can hinder personal and professional growth. Instead, Maria advocates for taking action, even if it’s imperfect. "Just do it, but do it janky," she quips, reminding us that progress is more important than perfection.

The Power of Authenticity in Parenting

In an age where polished perfection is often prioritized, Maria underscores the value of authenticity. She believes that unpolished moments resonate more with audiences, whether in parenting or content creation. "People appreciate authenticity," she states. "You see me in all my awkward glory now." This authenticity fosters deeper connections with children, as they feel seen and accepted for who they are.

Maria’s insights into parenting are not just theoretical; they are practical and grounded in her own experiences. She encourages parents to prioritize what truly matters—family, self-care, and genuine connections. "You have to take care of yourself first," she advises, emphasizing that self-care is essential for effective parenting.

Practical Tips for Conscious Parenting

As we wrap up, here are some practical tips from Maria for conscious parenting:

Prioritize Connection: Spend quality time with your children without distractions.
Validate Feelings: Acknowledge your child's emotions and let them know it's okay to feel.
Model Healthy Behaviors: Show your children how to regulate their emotions through your actions.
Understand Their Unique Traits: Use tools like astrology to better comprehend your child’s personality.
Embrace Imperfection: Accept that you won't always get it right; focus on progress instead.

Final Thoughts

Maria Riegger’s journey illustrates the profound impact of childhood trauma on parenting. By understanding our past and embracing our unique parenting styles, we can create nurturing environments for our children. Through astrology and conscious parenting practices, we can break negative cycles and raise emotionally healthy children who feel valued and understood.

For more insights and tools for conscious parenting, visit Maria’s blog and explore her resources. Let’s continue to support each other on this journey of healing and growth.

Navigating Childhood Trauma and Astrology: A Journey to Conscious Parenting