1. How did the (dragon) wounded inner child come to be? Through neglect and abuse, then through mother's wishes to live her life through me; her constant pushing me to be something I wasn't born to be; by expressing her disappointment in me rather than to acknowledge that I was a unique creation that needed to fullfill my own destiny; by negatively and embarassingly comparing me to her sister's children. Also, by various teachers and friends.

2. How did the dragon grow? By the continued displeasure and mistrust of my mother and by my protective mechanisms of rebellion, repression of my frustration and anger, turning my anger against myself (depression), my impression, mistaken or not, that I had no right to voice my feelings and/or injustices done to me. When I did express a desire, it was judged inadequate or stupid, sometimes immoral as in wanting to dance ballet.

3. What is the (dragon) wounded inner child about? A place to store all the bad memories, hurtfull feelings and the desire to become a fully functioning, trusting, believing, authentic "me."

4. What does the (dragon) wounded inner child want? To be validated, to be told she is intelligent, good, trustworthy, moral, pretty and that her wishes, dreams and desires are worthy of accomplishment... even if all she wants is to be a good wife and mother. That, in itself, is a worthy goal. No need for a mile's worth of degrees after my name.

5. How can (we) I help the (dragon) wounded inner child? Taking from "the adult's" experience as a mother, give the same love, affection, validation, reasonable freedoms, reasonable limits, encouragement, freedom to make her own mistakes, validation, encouragment, freedom to explore her own feelings and validate them. Trust, Trust, Trust! Encouragement and Validation! Acknowledgement of her special uniqueness. Protection.

6. What can we learn from the (dragon) wounded child? To recognize her needs as a child and recognize that I still have those needs and that I am capable of meeting those needs myself and not depend on or expect others to meet those needs; I have proven that I was a good mother, a good nurturer and more often than not, a wise teacher. I was and am affectionate, patient (more as I grow older) and always had my children's welfare at the top of my priority list.

7. How will we re-integrate the (dragon) wounded inner child? As she gets most or all of her needs met, her emotional immaturity will grow. (Hopefully the wounds will heal. I believe that we will always have an inner child that, after it's been given what she/he needs, will be able to function in a healthy way.) "The story is unfinished..."


<font color=blue>This above all: To thine own self be true. --Shakespeare</font color=blue>