Let’s talk about something close to all of us—our inner child. Whether we feel it consciously or not, there’s a part of each of us that still remembers childhood, with all its joys, fears, and dreams. Healing this part of ourselves—especially if it carries unhealed pain—can be a huge step in reclaiming our own freedom and practicing self-compassion. And given my own fascination with psychology and exploring deeper layers of who we are, I think there’s so much power in healing this inner part of ourselves. But what does it look like, and how can we begin?
Getting to Know the Inner Child
The idea of the “inner child” might sound a bit theoretical, but really, it’s just the part of us that was shaped by our earliest experiences. It’s the kid inside who still feels things deeply, remembers moments from the past, and holds onto a lot that might shape how we live and react now. For some of us, it’s a place of unfiltered joy and curiosity. For others, though, it may hold onto hurt or fear that didn’t get the attention it needed.
This part of us doesn’t just fade over time; it lives on, often influencing how we interact with others, how we respond emotionally, and how we see ourselves. I like to think of the inner child as a bit of a guide—one who lets us understand why we are the way we are, and where we might need to heal.
Why Heal the Inner Child?
Healing the inner child can be liberating. It allows us to make peace with parts of our past that still impact our lives, whether we notice it or not. In the end, it’s about giving ourselves permission to feel things, to release old wounds, and to offer the care and understanding that might’ve been missing back then.
For me, this resonates with the idea of learning from what we’ve been through without becoming defined by it. Instead of avoiding our past or letting it control us, we get to engage with it, understand it, and, hopefully, let it transform us.
Starting the Journey Toward Self-Compassion
Healing is often messy. It takes patience, kindness toward ourselves, and a willingness to face things we might’ve buried. Here’s how we can start:
1. Connect with Your Inner Child
This is all about reconnecting. Visualize your younger self—what would they look like? How did they feel? What did they need? I think just sitting with this image of our younger selves can be powerful. It can remind us that we’re not alone in what we’ve felt. This exercise, though simple, can help us feel more connected to the parts of ourselves we might’ve pushed away.
2. Face the Pain
If your inner child has pain—whether it’s from feeling abandoned, neglected, or misunderstood—acknowledging that is the first step to healing. This is not about reliving past trauma, but about recognizing it and letting ourselves feel those emotions rather than locking them up. Letting it be seen allows us to start letting it go.
And sometimes, it can be messy. I think part of my own understanding here has come from recognizing that growth means feeling things fully. If it’s overwhelming, talking with someone—maybe a therapist—can help provide that extra layer of support.
3. Practice Self-Compassion
Here’s where we practice treating ourselves as we would someone we care about deeply. Rather than judging ourselves, we can offer kindness when things are tough. Self-compassion is about dropping the need to be “perfect” and allowing ourselves to be human.
It’s funny, right? We’re often kinder to others than we are to ourselves. I think it’s worth making that kindness mutual. There’s a power in it that can transform the way we experience everything.
4. Reparent Yourself
Reparenting is a term that sounds a bit formal, but it’s really just taking on a nurturing role for yourself. This might mean setting boundaries, taking care of physical and emotional needs, and comforting yourself when you’re struggling.
Think of it as adopting a habit of caring for yourself in the way you would a child you truly love and want to protect. For me, this has looked like checking in regularly on how I’m feeling, pushing away the guilt for putting myself first sometimes, and allowing myself to just… be.
5. Rediscover Playfulness and Creativity
Remember that childlike sense of wonder? This is your inner child’s language. Get creative, enjoy hobbies, play, even if it feels a little odd at first. Whether it’s art, writing, dancing, or just laughing with friends, embracing this can bring a sense of lightness and joy into your life.
Reconnecting with the playful side can be a healing antidote to all the seriousness of life. It’s like a reset button for the soul—something that, honestly, we could all use every now and then.
What Healing Looks Like
Healing is never a straight path; it’s layered and ongoing. Sometimes it’s slow, and sometimes it feels intense, but every step opens the door a bit wider for you to live authentically.
For me, healing the inner child is about bridging past and present. It’s about integrating the wisdom of our experiences while letting go of the stuff that holds us back. As we give space to our inner child, we allow room for growth, healing, and acceptance.
So, if you’re thinking about starting this journey, I encourage you to listen to your inner child. What would they need from you right now? How can you offer them—and yourself—more compassion? Healing isn’t instant, but every step brings you closer to being your most genuine self.
Let me know how this resonates with you, or if you’re working on this too—I’d love to hear about your journey.
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