So, what I'd like you to do, is go grab some baby or toddler or little kid pictures of you.  Put them in a pile and look at them one by one (or spread them all out on a table or floor and look them over).  There will be one, or more than one, that call out to you.  You may see the pain in their eyes.  Or remember that age well due to trauma or just the bad behavior our parents.  Then take that picture (or those pictures), make a copy of them on your printer (or use your phone to snap a pic of the pic, and then send it to your printer), and print them out on paper.  

Then take that print....and either adhere it to a journal page or a piece of paper.  Then I want you to write a letter to that little person that was once you, and tell them how sorry you are for all that happened.  It's not your fault, and it wasn't theirs.  Validate them.  Write to them about how lovable they are.  Tell them all the good stuff they never heard.  Imagine them in your arms, giving them all the hugs they'd ever want.  And keep writing until there is nothing left to say.  Or write a series of letters.  It can be a paragraph.  A page.  Or a booklet.  Or even an entire book.  

Dear Little (your name here),

That's how it should start.  And write it all out.  Tell your little self everything they need and want to hear.  Then tell them how it's better now.  Or how it will get even betterer.  Tell them about anything and everything your heart tells you say.  Forgive them for not understanding how to deal with the issues a little child should not have to deal with.  

Do this on a regular basis, as much as you can.  Keep a "Dear Little Me" Journal if you want.  Fill all those holes yourself that your mother and father left in you.  Because you are the parent now.  You can choose how to parent your inner child.  And how to show that child all the love and nurturing you missed out on.  

If you try this exercise, let me know below.  I'd love to hear how it worked for you.