Some of us have had pleasant childhoods that we can look back on with joy, and others of us have had not so pleasant childhoods that we would rather not think about. Either way, it is important to acknowledge our needs that may not have been met in childhood so that we don’t carry those negative aspects into adulthood.
Here are some healthy ways to address your inner child:
Embrace your inner child with compassion Acknowledge your inner child. Call them by name and be conscious of the things that hurt or trigger you. Think about your childhood in depth and the things that shaped you- both good and bad.
Write your inner child a letter After you think, look back and write your inner child a letter and tell them everything that you wish you knew when you were younger. This is your chance to give yourself love, advice, encouragement, reassurance, etc. This may also be where you can see that there are parts of you in the present that need some attention.
Do some of the “silly” things that brought you joy as a child What are some things that you did as a child that you really enjoyed or made you the happiest? Or what are some things that you feel like you missed out on? It can be as simple as buying yourself a toy that you always wanted, walking barefoot in the grass or going somewhere you weren’t allowed to go as a child.
Come back to your inner child often Visit your inner child often. This practice, just like any form of healing work, is not linear. It takes time and patience, but it is always worth it in the end.
As a mental health practitioner, I am a firm believer that your childhood affects you in profound ways. The more I study and research, the more I believe that addressing your childhood is a vital part of addressing mental health. I believe that your relationship with your parents affects your relationships, especially your romantic relationships. And I believe that repressed emotions can likely come out in detrimental or destructive ways if they are not acknowledged and dealt with properly. Inner child work is so important, but it is also important to mention that if you are someone who had a traumatic childhood or a bad relationship with your parents, it doesn’t mean that you are doomed in adulthood. Acknowledging the unpleasant parts of childhood is the key to your healing. Be warned; inner child work can bring out a lot of emotions, both happy and sad. It is always recommended to do this work with a therapist or a trained mental health professional.