A Piece of Yourself That's Five Years Old

Inside the psyche of each of us lives the Inner Child subpersonality (a piece of yourself that's 5 years old). It is vitally important that you make sure that that Inner Child piece of yourself, is supported, loved and protected. It is at the core of your being and how this Inner Child responds to the way you're treated, will affect you for the rest of your life.

Never endure disrespect from others in your environment that makes you feel diminished, inadequate, or of less worth — or the Inner Child will feel unsafe in your ability to defend yourself. Although you may think you're tough enough to stand it, the more fragile piece of yourself is not — he or she is only a frightened little child. Putting up with the unacceptable isn't "tough". It's dysfunctional.