I was always getting myself into a disaster, even going to the hospital, because I dictated to my inner child and tried to force her to do things I thought should be easy. I would get into a panic instead, that I had no control over. But I began to do better by acknowledging my alter's fear, no matter how 'silly". If I were reading 'Reader's Digest' or watching a TV show and got that fear feeling, I would immediately quit. Put the book down, turn the TV off. I wouldn't criticize or argue.

Gradually, as the alter came to trust me to respect her childish fears, she grew and matured. Many times she would release me to read or watch the TV once I had complied with her. It was always "Listen and Follow" with the inner child. Yet, doing that got me way ahead in cooperation and integration. Most people would say that I was just giving in and spoiling my childish self. But it's terror the alter feels and she will get better when she trusts you to help her instead of force. "Let there be no forcing" became my motto. I have a lot of inner cooperation now and no fear anymore. DID is important condition for T's to understand and I hope you feel welcome to talk about your littles to your T. Littles are so sensitive and like the little creatures of the forest that are very cautious about coming out into the open. They need a lot of patience from both you and the therapist, and anyone else who knows.