All of us have an inner child or maybe even many! Often, these young parts have had to take on tough things for us that children shouldn't have to manage. It can be very healing to let these kiddos out into the present to play. Here are twelve creative and practical ways to give your inner child the gift of play.
1. Let Them Make a Mess
Were you ever scolded as child for making a mess? If so, you may have some inner kids who are dying to "play in the dirt." Let them mix the play dough colors or color outside the lines. Put together an outfit that doesn't "match" or go ahead, make some mud pies!
2. Indulge in the Forbidden
Were there movies, books, games, or toys that you wanted to engage with as a child but you weren't allowed? Was candy or other fun foods heavily restricted? Say it with me: you're allowed. Watch that movie. Eat some candy. It's ok. And it will feel immensely healing.
3. Movement
I'm not talking about punishing your body. I'm talking about joyful movement. Go for a walk in a beautiful place while listening to your favorite music. Take a dance class. Jump rope! If it brings you joy and peace in your body, that's how you know that your inner child(ren) has been reached.
4. Dollar Store Outing
This may seem silly, but stay with me here. Go to the dollar store or a thrift store and just let your inner child(ren) tell you what little toys are speaking to them! You may be surprised at what draws you. Sometimes your inner child may need to snuggle a stuffy or put together a puzzle. Let them lead the way.
5. Create a Safe Space
Gentle parenting has taught us about creating cozy corners, places of calm where children can be soothed and develop emotional regulation skills that will follow them into adulthood. Many of us didn't have these as children, so why not create one now? Put together a little zen corner in your home full of things that make you feel safe and that help you to calm your nervous system. Your inner child(ren) will learn and grow with you through this.
6. Journal With Your Non-Dominant Hand
Are you ready to really let your inner child express? Grab a pen and paper and try writing or drawing a picture with your non-dominant hand. This will remind your body of what it was like to be less coordinated and it can bring out those child parts. It can be very enlightening to hear what they have to say.
7. Swing into the Sun
Nothing will make you feel like a kid again like swinging on a swing in the park. If you feel self-conscious, just take a friend along or maybe join your own children in swinging if you have them (or baby-sit a friend's kids). Flying free through the air certainly can make you feel young and carefree.
8. Visit the Children's Section in the Library
Remember when the library felt like the most magical place? Give your inner child that gift and take yourself to the children's section of your local library. Pick out some picture books or middle readers that are speaking to you and let your inner kiddos enjoy!
9. Play with your Children
If you have children or can babysit some, let your inner child(ren) play with them! Don't hold back. Go into their make-believe games. Build those blanket forts. Color to your heart's content. All children involved, inner and outer, will thank you.
10. Discover Creative Outlets
Whether you can tickle the ivories of a piano, grace the stage with drama, or knit a mean scarf, make sure to let yourself enjoy this activity regularly! And if you haven't allowed yourself to be creative before, now is the perfect time to start. Enroll in a class in your community or even watch some Youtube tutorials on whatever speaks to your heart. That is the call of your inner child.
11. Wear the Bright Colors
It really is ok to step out of the beige. Children love color, and I'm sure that a part of us all loves color, too. I'm not saying that you need to go full clown, but don't be afraid to wear that colorful blazer, or eyeshadow, or tie, or...GASP...even those purple highlights.
12. Listen to Your Inner Child
Every inner child is an individual. What is your inner child or children saying? What are they telling you that they need to do to play? Listen to that little voice, connect to it, and let that little child lead the way.
It's not always easy to connect to our young parts, but hopefully this list will help you to take those steps to venture inward. Take those littles by the hand and show them that it really is safe to let go and play.
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