Picture yourself when you were five. In fact, dig out a photo of little you at that time and tape it to your mirror. How would you treat her, love her, feed her? How would you nurture her if you were the mother of little you? I bet you would protect her fiercely while giving her space to spread her itty-bitty wings. Sheâd get naps, healthy food, imagination time, and adventures into the wild. If playground bullies hurt her feelings, youâd hug her tears away and give her perspective. When tantrums or meltdowns turned her into a poltergeist, youâd demand a loving time-out in the naughty chair. From this day forward I want you to extend that same compassion to your adult self.