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I don’t know a single person who hasn’t carried something they experienced as a child into their adult life. Not one. That’s not to say everyone has terrible parents, more that our formative years are just that - formative. Whether you’re into it or not, we all have an inner child. By listening to and reconnecting with them, your inner child can help you understand what you’re experiencing today and led to a more fulfilling life.
What is Your Inner Child?
There’s a lot of talk about your inner child, it’s become a bit of a buzzword. But simply put, your inner child is the part of you that carries the experiences, feelings, and memories of your early years. They’re the source of your creativity, spontaneity, and joy. Your inner child can also be where unresolved trauma, unmet needs, and emotional pain lurk. Engaging with your inner child is healing because it allows you to address these hidden wounds, fostering emotional well-being and self-compassion.
Why Inner Child Healing is Important
No child thrives under neglectful conditions, and your inner child is the same. If you find yourself repeating the same unhelpful patterns of behaviour, struggling with low self-worth, or feeling disconnected from your life, your inner child is most likely the reason why.
It’s important not to blame your inner child as this will push them further away, making healing more difficult. Instead, the aim is to reconnect with your inner child by acknowledging and nurturing them. This opens the door to greater emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life.
Five Inner Child Healing Exercises You Can Do At Home
Chatting to Your Inner Child
One of the most direct ways to connect with your inner child is by imagining yourself having a conversation with them. Start by finding a quiet, comfortable place where you won't be disturbed. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Imagine your younger self sitting across from you. What do they look like? How old are they? What emotions are they feeling?
Ask your inner child what they need or how they feel. Listen to the answers without judgement. This exercise can bring up powerful emotions, so be gentle with yourself. Write down anything you feel important down so you can revisit it later if you want to.
Reparenting Yourself
The aim of reparenting is to provide your inner child with the care, love, and attention you may not have received during childhood. This can be done through affirmations, self-compassion, and setting healthy boundaries.
You could create a ritual where you say things like, "You are safe," "You are loved," and "You are enough", speaking to yourself as you would a child in need of comfort.
Journaling
Journaling can be a powerful tool for inner child healing. Setting aside time each day to write to your inner child gives you the space to process your thoughts, fears, and desires. You can also write from the perspective of your inner child, allowing them to voice their feelings directly.
You may also want to journal about specific childhood memories that may still affect you today. If you choose to do this, find a quiet, calming space first as it is not unusual for strong emotions to come out. Reflect on how these experiences shaped you as a person, and consider what your inner child needed at that time.
Get Creative
As we get older we are often encouraged to stop doing things we enjoy because they are “too childish”. By doing things your inner child loves or would have loved you are reconnecting with the playful, uninhibited parts of yourself.
Allow yourself to be free, without judgement about what you should or should not be doing. This creative expression can be deeply healing, allowing your inner child to feel seen and validated.
Meditating and Visualisation
Meditation and visualisation exercises can help you connect with your inner child on a deeper level. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and take a few deep breaths. Visualise a safe, nurturing space where your inner child feels completely at ease.
Imagine your inner child in this space, and visualise yourself as you are now interacting with them. Allow feelings of love and compassion to flow towards your inner child. This practice can create a strong bond between your adult self and your inner child, fostering healing and integration.
The Journey to Wholeness
Inner child healing is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, compassion, and a willingness to face uncomfortable emotions. But the rewards are worth it. By healing your inner child, you can break free from the past, embrace your authentic self, and live a more empowered and joyful life. Remember, your inner child is always with you, waiting to be acknowledged, nurtured, and healed.
If you'd like some support healing your inner child, get in touch.