One thing that helps me, Tree, when I am dealing with a difficult younger self, is to remember that not only was I ignorant back then but that I was incapable of knowing any better, no matter what. Just like one doesn't understand algebra when one is 8, one doesn't have the resources or ability to understand a lot of complex human interactions, especially with adults. I still cringe when I remember how I interacted with my stepmother but it helps to realize I was retaliating for abusive treatment I thought I was receiving from her. I didn't have all the facts but it wasn't possible for me to have all those facts because my brain/emotions were just not mature enough!

My younger self wasn't really trying to hurt another person, she was just trying to help/protect Me and I have to honor her for that; she did the best she could with what she had and with how she understood things to be. She's a heroine I'm glad is Me and I'm only sorry I could not have been there as I am now, to have advised her better.