How do you explain to a Little who they are?

I think i asked this before (sort of) about the body difference for a Little in a 'big body' but I have a hard time knowing how much to say. First, there is age appropriateness. When a young child asks how a baby is born - you don't have to get technical..you can say 'special passage' and that is sufficient... So what is 'sufficient' in this scenario? I want to protect their sense of self and am not sure how much they can process.

So..when the 2yr old is noticing his 'stretchy, long' arms with distress...or the 6-7 yr old is asking why she doesn't have her body when she sees me how do I 'break it to her"? that she is real but not physically able to have her own body 'here'?? How much is ok to tell? Can they take it? to know they are not just themselves? I'm so scared of hurting her feelings or making her confused or sad... and the little boy...the 2 yr old...can I tell him that his "Daddy" is him, grown up?? That part of him went to sleep for a long time? I don't know how to comfort them or answer their questions. I hear people talking about the family...is it sufficient to say that they are all one family in one body? And then, if the girl, who is smart and inquisitive notices that my daughter does not have to share my body...she gets her own...I can see her asking 'why??" So...why???

This is probably one of few things I'd let the psychologist tell them. There are so many intricacies and even though they know they're multiple (which can be a very hard thing to tell someone that they are if they don't know already) - they might not fully understand what that means in regards to other people not being that way. I know some alters in our system has been really upset and hurt by the way that news has been delivered so it might be a good idea to leave that one up to the professional - even just for the reason that then you're not the one that delivers the hurt, and have a better chance at being able to comfort them when they are home and could use some support. But that's us - it depends on how close you are, what everyone is comfortable with, how much everyone knows et cetera. Maybe you are the right person to tell them, I can't say you're not. I don't have any help in that department though, because it's hard to tell (I think) without knowing what they do understand and don't. Best of luck in explaining and continuing to be their support

- Lin [+]

Hi this is Kimmie. I am 7. I already knew a little bit but not everything and didn't understand a lot. Brian told me that me and the others were extra special because we get to share an outside body. Most people aren't so lucky and special. Also a big outside bosy lets me do things I can't do like teach up high and get things I want. Monique shares her outside body with everyone and says being outside almost everyday for months has helps me and Chrystal get uaed to the body.

Thank you Kimmie- that was so very helpful! I will share this with Sharon and Kerron. They thought they were the only ones...and knowing there are some others like them has made them feel not so different...and what a great way to help them see how lucky they are! You are so sweet to share with me! And Sharon and Kerron will be so happy to hear friendly words like these!