Owls, Watchdogs, and Opossums- Practical Strategies for Behavioral Challenges and Childhood Trauma

Robyn Gobbel's Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors

"Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors" by Robyn Gobbel

This book offers a comprehensive guide for caregivers navigating the complexities of raising children with challenging behaviors. It is a resource that I've been sharing with caregivers at Tidal Shift Counseling. Often books that address childhood trauma and behavioral disruption can feel overwhelming and any interventions impractical and/or vague. Raising Kids with Big Baffling Behaviors" offers a compassionate and digestible approach to understanding and supporting children with challenging behaviors.

The book uses metaphors of animals, "Owls, Watchdogs, and Opossums," to help readers understand and respond effectively to challenging behaviors exhibited by their child. The metaphor of "Owls, Watchdogs, and Opossums" represents the different ways that children respond to stress and trauma. Why does this matter? Gobbel emphasizes the importance of understanding each child's unique needs so that a caregiver can utilize specific interventions that provide meaningful and effective support.

A brief summary of each is outlined below:

• Owls are vigilant and hyper-aware, constantly scanning their environment for potential threats.

  • For Owls, strategies may include creating predictable routines and providing a sense of safety and security.

• Watchdogs are hyper-vigilant and reactive, always on high alert for danger.

  • Watchdogs may benefit from learning coping skills to manage their heightened arousal levels and regulate their emotions.

• Opossums are more passive and freeze in response to stress, often appearing disconnected or disengaged.

  • Opossums may require gentle encouragement and support to re-engage with the world around them and build trust and connection.

Additional tools and techniques for caregivers are provided throughout the book in an effort to support children with seemingly "big, baffling behaviors." These include strategies for creating safe and supportive environments, fostering resilience, improving self-regulation, and building healthy relationships that are based on trust and empathy.

Another aspect of Gobbel's book is also unique: she highlights the importance of self-care for caregivers. Often this topic is surprisingly not addressed, as it is vital to supporting your child. We must recognize and validate the significant emotional and physical cost of supporting children with challenging behaviors. I often hear about the challenge that caregivers find in caring for themselves, but we must prioritize our own well-being. When a caregiver's own needs are met, they can better meet the needs of their children and in turn, create a more stable and nurturing environment for the entire family.

Allow yourself to embrace the metaphor of Owls, Watchdogs, and Opossums, and gain valuable insights into the complex dynamics of individuality and learn practical strategies that promote healing, resilience, and growth.

Learn more about TF-CBT, an evidence-based trauma treatment for children and teens, here.