The Executive Soul: Episode #96

Building the Bridge of Resilience: Nurturing Hope Through Trauma with Dr. Dale Atkins

How do we hold a child's hand through their trauma when our own hands are shaking? In this pivotal episode, Laura Brazan sits down with renowned psychologist Dr. Dale Atkins, an expert in human resilience and navigating adversity. They discuss how the 2.7 million grandparents can become unshakeable "Bridges of Hope" for grandchildren who have experienced profound loss and disruption, transforming their past into a foundation for a resilient future.

Listen to the Boardroom Session

(Insert Spotify/Apple Podcast Embed Link Here)

The Raw Truth: From My Journal

"Last week, my grandson asked me a question about his 'other life'—the one before he came to live with us. I felt my chest tighten. I want to protect him from the past. I want to protect him from the sadness. This is the grandparent paradox. But Dr. Dale Atkins reminded me today that our role isn't to erase the past, but to build a bridge over it. To acknowledge their pain, but consistently show them the path to a future where they are loved, safe, and resilient. Our hands may shake, but our purpose must not."

The Toolbox: 3 Tactical Moves for Building Resilience

Dr. Atkins shares actionable strategies for nurturing resilience in traumatized children:

• Acknowledge, Don't Erase: It's tempting to try and shield children from their past. Instead, acknowledge their trauma in an age-appropriate way. "I know that was a very sad time for you," validates their experience without dwelling on the pain.

• The Power of Predictability: Trauma shatters a child's sense of safety. Establish consistent routines, rituals, and predictable responses. This builds a foundation of trust and teaches them that their world can be stable.

• Narrative Rebuilding: Help your grandchild weave their past into a new story where they are not just a victim, but a survivor. Focus on their strengths, their courage, and the new "chapters" they are writing with you.

Guest Resources

• Dr. Dale Atkins Official Website: [Dr. Dale Atkins]

• Recommended Book by Dr. Atkins: [Insert Link to book "The Turquoise Butterfly"]

The Reflection Room

Your Weekly Challenge: Reflect on your grandchild's "other life." Identify one small way you can acknowledge their past without letting it define their present. This week, consciously build one "Bridge of Hope" by creating a new, positive routine together that reinforces safety and belonging.