AShadow-
So sorry for your difficult time sending support your way---
Certain ages, developmental stages, the way a child looks, are all common triggers, I think. I'm blessed to have a daughter who just won't let her needs go unmet or let you wonder what she is thinking or feeling- just exactly the opposite of how I coped and dealt with difficulty growing up, and just like my younger sister did cope.
When my girl is so expressive, all those old messages come back- don't make a fuss, be responsible, don't be such a BABY. Luckily now I can usually catch myself and think "ah, so this is past stuff, this is NOT now" and try and seperate until we can calm down. Then later do something sooting for us both.
But the awareness of ways I have behaved that have damaged others remains... not easy when it is your child.
Seems kind of backwards, but when I am really having a hard time I think first "how would I treat someone else's kid ?" and then it's easier to be empathetic...
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