Some Parents Carry Risks Alone That Professionals Never Would

This time of year is meant to be joyful.
But for some families, it is the hardest time of all.

Lights. Music. Crowds. Anticipation.
For some children, this level of sensory and emotional demand overwhelms the nervous system.

As Daniel Siegel reminds us, “dysregulated behaviour is not a choice; it is a state.”
This is not about intent. It is about survival.

Child-to-parent violence is a reality for some families — and it is still rarely spoken about.

In schools and care settings, risk is shared.
There are teams, rotas, backup and specialist training.

At home, there is nothing.

Parents are expected to stay calm, co-regulate, de-escalate, and keep everyone safe — even when they are scared, overpowered, and completely depleted.

Admitting “my child hits me” still feels taboo.
So parents stay silent.
And their own needs come last.

This is not a parenting failure.
It is nervous system overwhelm — and parents carrying risks alone that professionals never would.

If we are serious about being neuro-affirming and trauma-informed, we have to talk about this.

Because keeping children safe must also mean keeping parents safe.