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Ways to Make Your Inner Child Feel Loved

by | Mar 20, 2025

Imagine, for a moment, the concept of an inner child. This is the part of you filled with all the memories, emotions, and experiences from your childhood. For many, this inner child can be a source of joy and creativity. However, for others, it might be a reminder of past wounds and unaddressed traumas. The journey to making your inner child feel loved is crucial for personal healing and emotional well-being.

To start, reconnect with activities you enjoyed as a child. This could be anything from swinging on swings, drawing with sidewalk chalk, painting, baking, horseback riding, to riding bikes. Think back to what made you happy and consider integrating these activities into your current life. It’s about rediscovering those simple joys and allowing yourself to experience them once again.

Reflect on your childhood and try to recall five good memories. This exercise might be challenging for some, and it’s important not to force it if memories don’t come easily. These memories could be from anywhere – home, school, or with friends. The goal is to find moments of joy or peace from your past.

Paying attention to your inner child means acknowledging that part of you that still marvels at the world with wide-eyed wonder. It’s about allowing yourself to embrace spontaneity and playfulness. Consider having “play dates” with your inner child, dedicating time to do something purely for the fun of it, whether that’s hiking, playing video games, or anything else that brings you joy.

Integrating fun into your routine can also be as simple as letting your inner child choose your dinner once a week. Perhaps it’s pizza night or pancakes for dinner – whatever it is, let it be a meal that delights the younger you.

Building connections is another vital step. This might sound odd, but everyone has an inner child, and by suggesting mildly fun activities, you can help bring out the inner child in your friends too. If you have children or grandchildren, engage with them through the lens of your inner child. This can enhance your relationship with them and also help heal the child within you.

Supporting your inner child also means exploring and possibly pursuing interests you had as a child but never got to explore. It’s never too late to try something new, regardless of your age. This could be taking gymnastics lessons or anything else you’ve always wanted to do.

Addressing and reframing negative self-messages is crucial. Replace thoughts like “I'm a failure” with more compassionate and understanding messages. It's about recognizing your worth and reassuring your inner child of their safety and lovability.

Finally, healing a wounded inner child involves processing past traumas and developing new skills to manage emotions effectively. It’s about rewriting the narrative of your life to include love, safety, and acceptance.

Remember, reconnecting with your inner child is not just about revisiting the past. It’s about integrating those experiences, both good and bad, into your present self to create a more harmonious and fulfilled life. Through acknowledging, supporting, and loving your inner child, you pave the way for a more joyful and authentic existence.