The thing I have realised as I have gotten older @ArraDreaming is that we can start taking control a bit more of how our story book of life unfolds. As a child in so many ways our chapters are written for us but as you get older you can start to have a say in how your chapters unfold. 

It is understandable that you will always feel for that little boy who was hurt and felt excluded. It's also understandable that you want to help heal that little boy. The good thing is you have the power now to nurture you own children. I wasn't parented in perhaps the best way (which I, like everyone else, had no control over) but what I do have control over is how I parent my children. I try to be the parent I wish I had. I know I am probably stuffing things up on the way and that's okay because no one is perfect but I'm doing it differently then how I was raised and trying to right the wrongs of my childhood. Enjoy it as it comes and soak up what your inner child needs along the way as well.

I hope you and your family are well and you have a lovely time with your family at this time of year.

Warm wishes,

FloatingFeather