As millennial parents, many of us grew up in a world that didn't always encourage emotional expression. We were often taught to "stay strong," "push through," or even "just get over it." Many of us were taught to suppress emotions with unhealthy coping strategies like late-night ice cream. These messages, whether implicit or explicit, taught us to avoid our emotions rather than experience them.

I’m writing this post with the intention of addressing some of the harm in ABA. I don’t claim to have all the answers, but I’m committed to learning, listening, and changing.