DEAR WILDERNESS CHILD

Dear Wilderness Child,

Angry

Hurt

Confused

Threatening

Untrustworthy

Desperate

Blaming

Non Communicative

Childish

Child, please forgive my emotional roller-coaster of reactions (see above) and my ineffective parenting choices. It was all I knew then. I was acting out of fear, guilt, and disappointment. I know I was in a lot of pain, but I also caused a lot of pain.

I am learning a new way now.

Thanks for taking the first step - the call for help. Because of you, I chose to have a good hard look at me. How could I help if I, too, was hurting so much? Who would you look to if I could not guide?

I’m now learning a new and better way to parent.

I’m learning how to hold boundaries and love unconditionally.

I’m learning how to respond instead of react.

I’m learning how to follow through with consequences in a loving way.

I’m learning how to be the parent I want to be.

And I still make lots of mistakes...

...just like you.

...just like everyone.

Thanks for reminding me of the humanness we share and for challenging me.

I am so grateful for how far we’ve come. I owe this growth to you.