When Children Hurt: Understanding Parent-Directed Violence with Susan Magestro

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Billie speaks with Susan Magestro, a criminologist, interventionist, and expert witness who specializes in one of the most challenging and underreported issues facing families today: domestic violence perpetrated by children against their parents. Susan brings decades of experience working with families where parents live in fear of their own children, along with her expertise in crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies.This conversation addresses the uncomfortable reality that many parents face but rarely discuss—when their child becomes violent, threatening, or abusive within the home. Susan explains the difference between explosive and implosive rage, shares red flags that parents should recognize, and discusses her innovative tools like the "anger wheel" for de-escalating volatile situations. The discussion also covers how divorce and family trauma can manifest in children's behavior, when reunification therapy is appropriate, and practical strategies for families caught in these devastating cycles.What You'll Learn✔ How to recognize the difference between explosive and implosive rage in children, and why many parents miss the warning signs of escalating dangerous behavior✔ The "anger wheel" technique and other de-escalation strategies that help identify root causes of children's violent behavior and create pathways for healing✔ Why parents often hide their fear of their own children due to professional concerns, community judgment, and family dynamics, preventing them from seeking help✔ How divorce trauma and poor co-parenting communication can fuel children's anger and violent behavior, and the importance of "good divorce" practices✔ When to pursue reunification therapy versus other interventions, and how to determine the best custody arrangements when children are struggling with anger and violenceWhere to Find Susan MagestroLearn more about Susan's work and access her resources, including her book "Raging From Within" and upcoming YouTube tutorials on the anger wheel technique. Susan provides expert witness services and crisis intervention throughout the United States.www.susanmagestro.com#DomesticViolenceAwareness #BreakTheSilence #EndTheCycle #FamilyViolence #StopTheViolence #AbuseAwareness #HealingJourney #SilentStruggle #YouAreNotAlone  #love #family #life #kids #motherhood#babies #mother #mentalhealth #positivity #motivation