Breaking The Cycle: How to Recognize Generational Patterns
When your child is struggling, it’s tempting to look for quick fixes—strategies, rules, or consequences that promise to solve everything overnight. However, the patterns keeping your family stuck often run much deeper than the moment you’re in.
They are woven through generations.
The Roots of Generational Patterns
Maybe you grew up in a home where feelings were dismissed or punished. Perhaps you learned that love had to be earned through performance or perfection. Or maybe you were taught that food, weight, and achievement defined your worth.
These beliefs and behaviors don’t appear out of nowhere. Families pass them down, often unconsciously, through stories, cultural norms, and survival strategies. Perhaps, these patterns once served a purpose. Over time, though, they can quietly erode the connection, trust, and resilience you want for your kids.
Recognizing What No Longer Serves Your Family
That’s why one of the most powerful steps in my Move FORWARD coaching program is R – Recognize Generational Patterns.
This step invites you to pause and ask yourself:
- Where did this pattern come from?
- How did it impact me?
- Is it serving my family now?
- What do I want to do differently?
This process can feel unsettling. After all, many of these strategies are all you’ve ever known. They were modeled by people who were doing their best with the tools they had. Yet acknowledging that something didn’t work for you—and isn’t working for your child—is one of the bravest things you can do as a parent.
It’s also the moment you begin to break the cycle.
Why Move FORWARD Was Created
I created Move FORWARD to guide families through the challenges of disordered eating, body image challenges and even eating disorder recovery. Over time, it has become a roadmap for navigating any crisis—mental health challenges, medical diagnoses, or seasons of deep uncertainty.
Generational patterns don’t only show up around food. They also shape how you respond to stress, conflict, and vulnerability in every area of life.
Looking Back to Move Forward
In this step of coaching, you won’t rush to replace old habits with shiny new solutions. First, you’ll look honestly and compassionately at where you came from. Only then can you decide, with intention, where you want to go next.
Is This You?
- You’ve noticed yourself saying or doing things you swore you never would.
- You feel stuck between what you were taught and what you know your child needs.
- You’re determined to be the parent you wish you’d had.
If any of this sounds familiar, you don’t have to figure it out alone.
Recognizing generational patterns is hard work, but it’s the gateway to change that lasts.
Take the Next Step
When you’re ready, I’m here to help you take this powerful step forward.
👉 Learn more about Move FORWARD Coaching or schedule a free consultation today.
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