How to Release Your Inner Child

As children, quite a few of us suffered in childhood. When we grow up we usually suppress our inner child along with the pain. So we spend years carrying around past trauma, letting it take root inside of us and even though the trauma is buried deep in our psyche there are times when the pain bubbles to the surface and we act out because of it. And those who go on to become parents cause their own children to suffer unintentionally. They repeat similar things that hurt them as children. That’s why healing your inner child and dealing with past traumas can make you the best parent you can be. But whether you’re a parent or not, it’s important to acknowledge the child within and all the pain you’re carrying around. Face it and heal it.

So what exactly is the inner child?

It’s the child within you. No, not a real child, a metaphorical one and it is very important. You know all the great aspects children have, being carefree, loving, curious, playful and forgiving, that’s how you were as a child too. All those childlike qualities are still with you. The inner child represents the happy, imaginative, innocence that you used to have and still do have buried within, you just need to tap into it again.

For quite a few years I was a caretaker for two of my younger cousins. When I first started babysitting them the youngest was around eight-months-old and the oldest was two-years-old. They were a lot to handle, but being around them for so long reminded me that I needed to nourish my own inner child and bring back my childlike qualities. That’s when playtime became more fun for everyone. Though I do recall there being quite a few times that the kids would take it too far and become little tyrants which led to me getting fed up and walking away. Sometimes that made things worse and sometimes it made it better.

Unfortunately for my two cousins, their father isn’t well and their mother has to work long hours so they don’t get a chance to have a parent play with them as much as they would like. It’s no one’s fault, and I get it if you’re unwell or tired it is hard to find the willpower to play with your child or listen to them go on and on about something you don’t particularly care about, especially when you want to sit down and unwind after a long day. Everyone has a unique way of raising their kids but I think a lot of parents should be tapping into their own inner child if they want to connect with their children on a deeper level. I feel by being in touch with your inner child you will be carefree, calmer and happier and everyone wants a parent like that.

Parents Who Acknowledge Their Inner Child

Remember, no parent is perfect. No human is perfect. So no matter how hard you try sometimes you will hurt your child, but if you are able to manage your issues then you can minimize the impact of negative effects on your child.

1. Parents who have tapped into their own inner child will be less reactive. Yes, the child just rolled in mud, and yes it’s a mess to clean up but remember how fun it is to just get dirty sometimes. This doesn’t mean you won’t get frustrated. It’s normal to feel a little heated over things like that but don't act as you have never done the exact same thing. Just take a moment to think back to how fun it was for you when you were younger. Maybe you’ll remember how mad your parents were when you played in the mud, don’t repeat their anger. Instead, embrace the mess because after all, a mess isn't the end of the world. At that moment it might not be a fun memory for you, but your child will think back on those moments when they’re older with happiness. Children come with a mess, it’s literally tattooed on their foreheads when they come out of the womb.
2. You’ll be more understanding of their emotions and won’t get frustrated as easily when they’re they’re acting out. Sometimes they’re tired but sometimes they will throw a tantrum because they are stressed, anxious or afraid and don’t know how to tell you what they’re feeling in a way that you can understand. Children need to know that you, being their parent, will protect, care and nurture them because that is your job. No child can grow up healthy if they don’t have an adult that loves them unconditionally and gives comfort when they need it.
3. You will play with them more. Growing up I remember loving when adults would be silly and play games with us kids. For some reason, it was always more fun when adults joined in. Even though it is tiring to play kids games sometimes you need to push through it and just be the pretty unicorn your child wants you to be. That’s why bringing out your inner child is important when you’re a parent, playtime will be more fun for you and your child.

Only until I became an adult myself I realised how draining it is to play games with children. Their energy levels are so different from ours, it's crazy. And I always feel sorry for the kids who’s parent/s don’t want to participate in the fun. But as I said before, after a long day you don’t really want to sit around playing with their toys but sometimes you just have to because they absolutely adore you. That doesn’t mean you should feel guilted into playing with them and you don’t need to play with them every day but at least a few times a week let them dress you up and a superhero and run around together or whatever it is they want to do.

How to Reconnect With Your Inner Child and the Benefits of Doing so

Children are our future so let’s try to raise them to be happy and loving humans. Do you feel you’re connected to your inner child? If you’re a parent do you notice the difference when you’re more in touch with your playful side? Leave a comment down below and thanks for reading.

Have a great day. ❤

Originally posted on Medium