Childhood Trauma and Family Connection
From Charting Pediatrics by Children's Hospital Colorado
February 24, 2026 · 35 min · Season 9 · Episode 30
About this episode
This episode explores the impact of childhood trauma on family relationships and the importance of emotional safety in pediatric care.
In pediatrics, we often meet families during their most vulnerable moments such as illness, transition, fear and change. While pediatricians are trained to diagnose and manage disease, some of the most powerful interventions we offer don't come in a prescription bottle. They are found in the relationships we help build, strengthen and protect. In this episode, we're exploring how trauma, attachment and the family system are key to understanding patients. Benjamin Perks works for the U nited Nations in New York on human rights and child development and protection. He is a senior fellow at the Jubilee Centre at the University of Birmingham in the UK and an associate member of the department of social policy and innovation at the university of oxford. He is also the author of the book titled " Trauma Proof ." Susan Caso is a licensed therapist, speaker and author. She serves as a board member and advisory for The Liv Project. She is the author of the book " The Parent-Teen Connection: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships . " Some highlights from this episode include: What's driving disconnection between parents and teens How trauma shows up in family relationships How…
People in this episode
Guests: Benjamin Perks, Susan Caso
Topics covered
- childhood trauma
- family connection
- pediatric care
- emotional safety
- trust and engagement
- attachment
- family relationships
Keywords
- childhood trauma
- family connection
- pediatrics
- emotional safety
- trust
- attachment
- family relationships
- mental health
- therapist
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: United Nations, Jubilee Centre, University of Birmingham, University of Oxford, The Liv Project
Books & works: Trauma Proof, The Parent-Teen Connection: How to Build Lifelong Family Relationships
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