As we move into 2026, the countdown already feels like sand slipping through our fingers — but let’s make sure we don’t leave our inner child behind. Bring her (or him) with you.
Psychologists say our inner child is the foundation of our essence — who we are, what we do, and why we do it. That still shows up in our business, career, and personal life, even when we don’t realize it.
Sometimes we don’t understand our reactions or decisions. But our inner child — always — knows.
They just remain silent.
They’re the child. We’re the adults. After all.
And even though they endured our childhood experiences — the good, bad, confusing, and deeply formative — it’s our job now to understand what they lived through.
We may look back and laugh at memories that once troubled us, but those moments shaped us far more than we think.
To reflect properly, we must first understand who our inner child was — and who they still are.
Five Strategies for Understanding Your Inner Child
- Slow Down Long Enough to Listen — Quiet moments help old emotions surface.
- Observe Your Triggers — Notice what situations make you overreact, withdraw, or feel anxious.
- Journal Your Childhood Memories — Capture the happy, sad, confusing, and defining ones.
- Revisit Early Messages You Received — Were you told to be quiet, be perfect, be strong? Those may still be driving you.
- Practice Self-Compassion — Speak to yourself the way a caring adult would speak to a child.
You may also wonder whether you should do this work on your own or seek help. Both approaches have benefits.
Pros & Cons of Self-Reflection vs. Professional Support
Reflecting on Your Own
Pros:
- Cost-effective.
- Private and flexible.
- Helps build self-awareness.
Cons:
- Hard to see blind spots.
- Easy to minimize or distort memories.
- Avoidance may delay healing.
Seeking a Therapist or Spiritual Leader
Reflecting on Your Own
Pros:
- Guided techniques and structure.
- Emotionally safe environment.
- Removes self-bias.
Cons:
- Requires vulnerability.
- May involve revisiting difficult memories.
- Time and financial commitment.
Professional assistance — even from a trusted church leader — can help you go deeper with clarity and courage. We’re often too biased, forgetful, or unsure how to navigate what we blocked out.
But to move forward, we must go back and remember our childhood:
What made us happy?
What wounded us?
What made us laugh, cry, jump for joy, or hide, and shrink?
Were we nurtured? Or did we have no choice but to embrace chaos and confusion?
When you reflect, you may uncover the hidden reasons behind your habits now. 
And yes — the results may surprise you.
A colleague ate her lunch fast — really, really fast. No matter what she ordered, it was like she inhaled it in minutes. The reason?
As a child, she shared that her mother always snapped, “Don’t play with your food!”
And from that day forward, she ate fast to avoid being scolded.
Isn’t it amazing how something so small can shape us for decades?
Remember, our inner child is always present — but are we listening?
Ten Reasons to Keep Your Inner Child with You
- They remember your joy.
- They remind you to dream big.
- They reveal unhealed wounds.
- They show you what truly excites you.
- They explain your fears and hesitations.
- They help you rediscover creativity.
- They make you more compassionate with yourself.
- They reconnect you with authenticity.
- They guide you back to purpose.
- They hold the blueprint to your success.
Once we accept the truth of our inner child, things no longer go wrong “mysteriously.” We can trace the roots — whether it’s success, self-sabotage, confidence, hesitation, or avoidance.
So, as the new year approaches, let’s vow to take our inner child with us into 2026. Even if they stay quiet, you’ll understand what they’re communicating.
Because they’re you.
And remember, they’ve been waiting — patiently — for you to acknowledge them. To understand that they still matter.
Your inner child is still essential to your existence. And your future.
~ ~ ~
I’m Ruth Anita Foote, an award-winning journalist, historian, author, and online entrepreneur — passionate about helping you enhance your business, career, and lifestyle. Whether you need writing, editing, research, or online business development, I’m here to support your growth. My goal is to empower you to elevate your success and make a lasting impact in your field. You can connect to all my social media platforms through Linktr.ee
