In our work as therapists, we often encounter the undeniable truth: we never truly outgrow our inner child. A youthful part within us persists, sometimes surfacing to seek acknowledgment and expression. Have you ever noticed an unexpected surge of emotion, seemingly from a place deeply rooted in your past, and you’re left wondering, “Why did I react that way?” This experience represents an integral part of our psyche, shaped during our formative years and yearning for recognition and acceptance. We call this part of ourselves our “inner child.” When nurtured and acknowledged, our inner child brings forth a wellspring of creativity, inspiration, and joy. However, when neglected or wounded, it can leave us feeling disconnected and unfulfilled, playing out in patterns that are familiar to old insecure attachment dynamics from long ago (Davis, 2020). Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Self-Compassion Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help you increase the compassion and kindness you show yourself and will also give you the tools to help your clients, students, or employees show more compassion to themselves.