Originally published on Trigger Points Anthology on November 24, 2015 By Dawn Daum.
1. What was the most surprising thing about becoming a parent?
How little sleep I could get and still survive. I don’t think I slept for five years. I’m glad I took pictures.
2. Tell us about one of your proudest parenting moments.
My teen was giving me grief because I wanted to see his electronic devices, which is what he agreed to when he signed the contract that we had made. In the middle of stomping around and rolling his eyes, I kept my cool and said, “You know, this is so not about you. As a parent, I am terrified on a regular basis by how little control I have over what you may be exposed to. I’m doing the best I can here. This isn’t about me not trusting you, it’s about me trying to be the best parent I can be.” This transparency and honesty totally diffused his anger and we were able to have a really pleasant and truthful conversation.
3. Was it difficult for you to participate in this project? What strength did you pull from to get past the fear and contribute?
It’s always difficult to be vulnerable, but I have come to the conclusion that we can’t stop stigma and support each other without speaking up.
4. Do you believe participating in this project has changed you in any way? If so, how?
I have gotten plugged into some great online groups that offer support and friendship from those who are like me, and struggle with similar issues that I struggle with.
5. What is the greatest lesson you have learned from your children?
Life changes are made with baby steps taken consistently each day.
6.When you are not writing or parenting, what do you love to do?
Hiking, walking, reading, gaming, and watching TV – not gonna lie, I love my share of the electronics time!
The fact that my kids are exposed to the effects of my crappy childhood haunts me, causing me to question what damage my depression and PTSD is doing to their well-being as they get older.
Sorry-in-a-Sack Self
Kelly Wilson
Trigger Points: Childhood Abuse Survivors Experiences of Parenting
Bio:
Kelly Wilson is an author and comedian who entertains and inspires with stories of humor, healing, and hope. She is the author of Live Cheap & Free, Don’t Punch People in the Junk, and Caskets From Costco, along with numerous articles and short stories for children and adults. As a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, Kelly writes and speaks about finding hope in the process of recovery. Kelly Wilson currently writes for a living and lives with her Magically Delicious husband, junk-punching children, dog, cat, and stereotypical minivan in Portland, Oregon.
Website: www.wilsonwrites.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KW_Writes
