Meeting your childhood self
How to care for your inner child
We work, solve problems, check off to-do lists, and rush to get everything done. In the whirlwind of responsibilities, it’s easy to forget the most important thing – ourselves. The inner child is not an abstract idea, but the voice of our heart that we often ignore. And yet, only our inner child truly knows what we really want and how we imagine our ideal life. The ELLE O’zbekiston editorial team explores why it's important to listen to your inner child – and how to do it.
A bit of theory
In psychology, the “inner child” is a symbolic part of our personality where childhood experiences, emotions, and needs are stored. It’s a composite portrait of early emotional life – joy, spontaneity, curiosity – but also fear, vulnerability, and pain. The inner child can be a source of vitality and inspiration when we are in touch with it. But if ignored, it can manifest through anxiety, resentment, or a constant sense of dissatisfaction. Working with your inner child helps restore a connection to your true desires and teaches you to be a caring adult for yourself.
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Being honest with yourself
Listening to your inner child means acknowledging your real emotions and desires, not just the “correct” or “grown-up” goals. It helps restore a sense of joy and sincerity, and to remember what you dream of and what you truly want from life. When we allow ourselves to dream, to believe in miracles, and to pursue our wishes, we move closer to our true selves and begin to understand our needs.
It’s important to remember: the inner child isn’t about indulging whims or blindly following impulses. The concept is a metaphor rooted in childlike honesty that encourages a gentle, mindful attitude toward yourself and the ability to recognize what you really lack: care, support, or motivation. Listening to your inner child means learning to be sincere with yourself and taking responsibility for your choices. This connection helps pave the way to wholeness and deep personal growth.
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How to connect with your inner child
There are several steps and techniques to help establish a connection with your inner child. It’s important to understand that this work requires real effort and commitment to truly hear yourself.
- Remember yourself as a child
Look through old photos. Write down what you loved to do, what you dreamed of, what games you played – this will help reconnect with that time and rediscover passions or talents you may have forgotten.
2. Start an “inner child journal.”
Record your emotions, wishes, and fears – from the perspective of your younger self. Think about how your child self would feel about who you are today.
3. Practice inner dialogue
When you feel anxious, hurt, or upset, mentally speak to your younger self: “What are you feeling right now? What do you need? I’m here.”
Remind yourself who you are
When you're angry at yourself or feel not good enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough, remind yourself that you’re still that same little girl you once were. Think about how to treat her with love and care, not criticism.
- Treat yourself with small surprises
Recall what you always wanted to do as a child but never could. Buy that ice cream, watch a cartoon, take a spontaneous trip, or go to an amusement park – give yourself what you once missed.
2. Work with your body
Through movement – dance, yoga, pilates – you can calm your mind and tune into your true desires.
3. Create a collage or write a letter
Try making a collage of your childhood and adult photos, write down wishes to yourself, and list your dreams or life goals. You can also write a letter to your younger self – describe how your life turned out and reflect on the moments when you stayed true to yourself and followed your true desires.
source: Mikhail Nilov, pexels
