Category: Parents' ZoneQ&As

Childhood Trauma: Will I Be a Good Parent?

Published : Dec 14, 2025
By Dr. Ana Aznar

“I don’t want to go deeply into my own childhood trauma details, but let me just say that as a child I was SA’d and abused by my father for years. Now, I’m considering having children myself but I am concerned that these impusles/depravities might be genetic and I might end up hurting my own children as much as I was, and not be able to stop it. Is this something that can be carried through bloodlines, unable to be avoided or restrained?”

Mom, girl and school uniform with forehead touch in home for preparing or ready for elementary education. Apartment, people and parent with kid for first day with smile, pride and child development

First, let me tell you that I am very sorry about what you had to go through and that I hope you are doing OK. Second, the fact that you are here asking for support, is a very clear sign that you want to do things differently if you become a parent. 

Having been abused does not necessarily mean you will be an abusive parent. It is true that some victims of abuse go on to become abusive parents, perhaps because this is the only way they know to relate to their children. But it is also the case, that some people who were abused are incredibly aware that they do not want to hurt their children and develop a very strong motivation to protect their children.

So, the answer to your question is: NO. The fact you were abused does not mean you will be an abusive parent. I do not know if you have gone to therapy or are in therapy, but I believe that it would be a very good idea for you to discuss your thoughts and emotions with a therapist. 

I wish you all the very best. 

Ana

Dr Ana Aznar

Related articles:

Born or Made: What Really Shapes Our Children?

Why Is Family Important?

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents

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Comments
Stephany
2025-12-15 02:53:40
Сервис подписки на доставку органических
соков и смузи.

My web page; импортозамещение бизнес идеи
Cristo
2025-07-29 12:20:59
Amazing, thank you so much for this blog.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-04-25 07:23:36
Hola Ana,
Qué fantástico artículo y que buenos consejos. Ha sido de una gran ayuda. Un abrazo muy fuerte
Dr. Ana Aznar
2025-03-31 19:41:20
Qué ilusión tu mensaje, Pia! Gracias a tí por leernos.
Pia Satrustegui
2025-03-28 10:13:56
Querida Ana,
Maravilloso artículo sobre la serie Adolescentes y consejos de gran ayuda en una etapa tan complicada de nuestros hijos , tan desprotegidos frente a las nuevas tecnologías.Es una ayuda tremenda para nosotros. Muchas gracias
Armani
2025-03-06 09:31:35
This is ethically wrong and I don't think it's worth the damage it will ultimately cause to the relationship. And the issues it will cause for the one being spied on. Just don't do it.
Meghan
2025-02-07 21:26:19
Is there a printable version of the article? I am a school based mental health professional and would like to share it with parents.
J
2025-02-03 10:52:04
This is such a great writeup. I think too often we get caught in a rutt of trying to categorise everything. Our daily lives are kind of dictated by categories and labels, certainly in a digital world.

I'd imagine this is quite deteremental for a childs development in the long run as nothing stays the same forever, and we shouldn't really be making these categorisations, especially towards our children.

Just live life, sometimes you'll have to be the parent that's the shoulder to cry on. The week after you may have to raise your voice a little when everyone is in a rush and you're trying to get your children's shoes on.

Just balance it all out, don't be too self critical and pick up on what your child wants and needs.

Again, great writeup!
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-13 12:51:46
Dear Robert,
Thank you so much for your comment. I totally get what you mean. It is always difficult to have kids living with you, wanting to support them and their parents but at the same time not wanting to step in anyone's toes. If there's anything we can do to support you and your family, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Ana
Robert Eisenbart
2024-09-10 00:43:07
Great Article! I'm a retired FNP. Years ago I taught a STEP program to parents via family court cases. I now have a daughter and her man disciplining three children 4, 8, and 10. The 10 year old has ADHD and my personal diagnosis is she's also Oppositional/Defiant. I believe the OD came from harsh discipline. All they seem to do is punish and threaten physical punishment. They say positive reinforcement didn't work however they tried it for about 2 months and then went back to punishment. I can't reason with them as "they are the parents"!! is all I hear. They all live with me and have since the oldest was about 2. Sadly I can see the other 2 developing issues like anxiety and aggression as well. Trying to show them another side of adult supervision when I have them but frustrating.
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-09-02 20:48:07
Really glad you found it useful! Thank you for being here and for your comment.

Ana
Dr. Ana Aznar
2024-05-17 09:55:58
Hi Donna,
sO great to have you here! Totally agree that Zara is great! What other topics would you like us to discuss?
Ana
Donna
2024-05-17 09:49:36
Love Zara’s ways of teaching for both parents & kids! Also so helpful. We want more!! (Please!) :D
Ana Aznar
2024-05-08 07:24:31
We are glad you found the content useful! Many thanks for being here.
Ana
Cristoj
2024-04-09 18:20:19
Great article!!!
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