Both OH and I didn’t have the best relationships with our respective parents, for various reasons. I very much wanted to parent differently than they did (although I do catch myself falling into the same patterns at times).

The main thing I have done is worked to be calm and kind and open about things. Also to be there for my kid, and take the time to listen and be interested in what he has to say. No shaming or belittling, stuff like that. I know my parents did the best they could at the time, and of course I loved them, but generational trauma is definitely a thing.