Today let’s talk about parenting my inner child.
Have you ever felt like you’re still a little kid in many ways?
That’s the essence of the inner child, and though it sounds kind of hokey and ‘80s to talk in those terms, I think there is a real truth to it. I never learned how to grow up in many ways, and have struggled to do so as an adult. I’ve had to imagine inside myself that 14 year old boy, who used to be full of optimism and life, who felt the life being sucked out of him by the events of his world. I’ve had to learn to treat that small, wounded part of me as a loving parent would treat a small child, with tenderness, respect, and discipline. As I have done so, it has brought me a greater ability to trust others, and to function in my world.
Have you ever felt like you’re still functioning as a little kid?
Photo Credit
“What the hell are you looking at?” by texas_mustang @ flickr.com. Creative commons. Some rights reserved.
Dan L. Hays offers encouragement for adult children of alcoholics.
The podcasts of these episodes can be found at: Minute to Freedom
Please Share Your Thoughts - Leave A Comment!