Your inner child is the part of you that holds onto childhood experiences and emotions. This includes both positive and negative experiences. The inner child can be a powerful force in your life, influencing your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

I love the way children view the world. There is a unique sense of wonder and curiosity I truly admire. There are lots of ways to connect with your inner child, journaling is only one of them. I enjoy engaging in novelty and creative activities whenever possible.

Journal prompts are a powerful and simple tool to help you heal and connect with your inner child. By writing down your thoughts and feelings, you can begin to understand and release any pain that your inner child may be holding on to. You can also revisit positive experiences that shaped who you are as a person today.

These prompts can also help you connect with your inner child, so that you can nurture and care for them.

What are some ways to connect with your inner child?

There are many ways to connect and heal with your inner child, here are a few ways:

• Journaling –Journaling or writing is an effective way to connect with and understand your inner child. Write down your thoughts and feelings, and allow yourself to explore them without judgement.
• Meditation – Connecting with your inner child through visualization and mindfulness therapy or talking with a therapist about your experiences can be incredibly helpful.
• Spending time in nature – One way to connect with your inner child is to spend time in nature. This can be done by taking a walk in the park, hiking in the woods, or spending time outside in your own backyard. Nature can help you feel more connected to yourself and the world around you.
• Playing games – Games are be a fun and easy way to connect with your inner child. Board games, card games, and even video games can help you relax and enjoy your time.
• Listening to music – Music can help you relax or elevate your mood. Listening to music can also help you tap into your hidden emotions, so that you can begin to heal them. What are some of your favorite childhood songs?
• Engaging in creative activities – Another way to connect with your inner child is to engage in creative activities. This can include painting, drawing, writing, or any other hobbies that allow you to express yourself creatively. By doing this, you can begin to connect with your inner child and allow them to express themselves as well.

In addition to creative activities, my favorite way for connecting with my inner child is through journaling. If you’re not sure how to get started, here are some inner child journal prompts to get you started:

Journaling prompts to heal and connect with your inner child:

1. What is your earliest memory?

Think back to your earliest memory. Try to remember as much detail as possible about where you were and what you were experiencing. Was it a positive memory or a negative memory? How do you feel about that memory today?

2. What was your biggest fear as a child?

What were you afraid of when you were a child? Was it something specific like the dark or ghosts, or was it a more general feeling of fear? How does that fear make you feel today?

3. What made you feel loved and secure as a child?

Was it your parents, your siblings, or something else? How can you bring more of that feeling into your life today?

4. What are your earliest memories of feeling alone or rejected?

Think back to your first memories of feeling rejection. What were the circumstances surrounding those feelings and moments? How do you feel about those memories today?

5. What are your earliest memories of feeling happy and loved?

Can you remember some of the first times you felt happy? It can be quite eye-opening to reflect on these experiences.

6. When did you start to put up walls around your heart?

If you’re the type of person who shuts themselves off emotionally, when did you start to build walls around your heart? Was there a specific event or experience that caused you to build those walls?

7. When you were a child, what did you aspire to be when you grew up?

Looking at your job or career today, how does it align with your childhood aspirations? If it doesn’t align, what steps can you take to bring your career closer to your childhood dreams (if you wanted to)?

8. When was the first time you felt shame?

Shame is a very powerful and damaging emotion. Can you remember the first time you felt shame? How do you feel about that event today? I also recommend watching some of Brene Browns Ted Talks on the subject!

9. What are your earliest memories of feeling anger?

Everyone experiences anger, but it can be a very destructive emotion if it’s not dealt with in a healthy way. Can you remember the first time you felt anger? What people or events were involved?

10. When was the first time you can remember feeling scared?

Fear is a natural emotion, but it can also carry with us for many years. Can you remember the first time you felt fear? How did you deal with being afraid? Did anyone comfort you?

11. As a child, what did you want most in life?

What were your dreams and aspirations as a child? Perhaps you had simple dreams, like having a happy family or a nice home. Or maybe you dreamed of becoming something big and successful. Whatever your dreams were, did you reach any of them? It can also be interesting to reflect on these dreams and the reasons we aspired them in the first place.

12. Are you still friends with any of your childhood friends?

Do you keep in touch with any of your childhood friends? If not, why not? Seeing old friends can be a great way to take a trip down memory lane and reconnect with your childhood self.

13. What was your favorite subject in school?

What did you love learning about when you were a child? Is there anything that you’re passionate about learning today?

14. Did any teachers have a significant impact on you as a child?

Did you have any teachers who made a positive impact on your life? If so, what did they do that was so special? Or, maybe you had a teacher that had a negative impact on your life.

15. How did you deal with loss as a child?

Whether it was a family pet or a family member, everyone experiences loss at some point in their life. How did you deal with loss as a child? Did anyone help you through it? How did you cope?

16. What childhood memories have shaped who you are as a parent today?

Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs in the world. What childhood memories have shaped how you parent your own children? Are there any things that you do differently than your own parents did?

17. What do you miss about childhood?

What do you miss most about being a child? Maybe you miss being carefree and having no responsibilities. Or maybe you miss the innocence of childhood.

18. What made you feel proud as a child?

Was it getting good grades, winning a sports game, or simply making your parents proud? What are the things that made you feel proud as a child, and what makes you feel proud today?

19. Do you have any unresolved issues from childhood?

Many of us have issues and baggage from our childhood. Are there any unresolved issues that you need to deal with? If so, what are they and how can you resolve them?

20. Who was your imaginary friend as a child (if you had one) and what did they look like?

Many children have imaginary friends. If you had one, who was it and what did they look like? Did they possess any qualities you admire to this day?

21. What were your favorite childhood games?

Games are a great way to relieve stress, pass time, and have fun. Think of your favorite games as a child and whether you still enjoy them now.

22. What was your favorite childhood book?

Do you still enjoy reading that book today? Was there an important message in the book that you still remember?

23. What was your favorite thing to do outside as a child?

Playing outside is a favorite pastime for many. Think about your favorite outdoor activities when you were a child. Who were you with? Do you still enjoy doing these things today?

24. What are you fondest memories from your childhood vacations?

Did you go on many vacations as a child? Do you have any fond memories that you still look back on? What was your favorite place to visit?

25. What was your favorite food as a child?

Was there one food you could eat everyday without getting sick of it? Do you still enjoy eating that food today?

26. What is one childhood experience that has stuck with you into adulthood?

We all have experiences from our childhood that have shaped who we are today. What is one experience that has stuck with you?

27. When did you first realize that you were different from other children?

Everyone is unique. Sometimes, it can take us a long time to realize and appreciate it. Was there one moment you first realized you were different? How did you feel when you came to this realization?

28. When did you feel as though you were no longer a “child”?

Was there a specific event or age when you suddenly realized that you were no longer a child? How did that make you feel?

29. Were you in a rush to grow up or did you want to stay a child forever?

Some of us can’t wait to grow up while others want to stay children forever. Which one were you?

30. Who did you idolize or admire as a child?

Did you have a celebrity crush or someone you looked up to? Why did you admire this person? Do you still admire them today?

31. What things did you worry about as a child?

Do you still worry about those things today? Worrying is a part of life but it’s important to remember that not everything is worth worrying about.

32. If you could go back and relive one moment from your childhood, what would it be?

We all have moments from our childhood that we wish we could relive. What is one moment that you would go back and relive if you could?

33. What lessons did you learn from your childhood?

What are some of the things that you learned from your childhood? These lessons can be big or small but they are all important.

34. How do you feel about your childhood?

Do you have fond memories of your childhood or are there things that you would change if you could? It’s important to remember that our childhood experiences shapes who we are today.

35. How do you feel when you watch children now?

Do you feel nostalgic or happy when you watch children now? Do you ever wish you could go back to being a child again?

36. What advice would you give to your younger self?

If you could go back and talk to your younger self, what advice would you give them? This could be about anything from school to relationships to life in general.

37. When did you first experience jealousy?

The green monster of jealousy is a strong and powerful emotion. When did you first experience it? How did you deal with it? What made you feel jealous?

38. When did you first experience heartbreak?

Heartbreak is a part of life that is never easy. When did you first experience it? How did you deal with it? What made you feel heartbroken?

39. As a child, what things made you nervous or scared?

It’s completely normal to feel nervous or scared as a child. Perhaps you didn’t like sleeping in the dark, or maybe you were afraid of spiders. Reflect on these things and what about them made you nervous. How do you feel about them today?

40. Were you an introverted child or an extroverted child?

We all have different personality types but we often change as we grow older. Were you an introverted or extrovert child? How has that changed (if at all)?

41. How did your siblings influence your childhood?

Did you have any siblings? How did they influence your childhood? Did you always get along or were there times when you didn’t get along? Reflect on your relationship with them and whether you get along today.

42. Who was your favorite babysitter or caregiver?

Was there a babysitter or caregiver that you loved spending time with? Why were they your favorite? It can be interesting to think about our adult life and whether we have any friends with similar qualities.

43. What is one memory that always makes you laugh?

Laughter is the best medicine. Think back to your childhood and remember one memory that always makes you laugh.

44. What was your favorite holiday as a child?

Did you have a favorite holiday? Why was it your favorite? What are some of the traditions that you remember from that holiday? Is it the same to this day?

45. Have your parents ever told you about a time when you were a child that you don’t remember?

Our parents always have seem to have stories about us that we don’t remember. Ask them to tell you one of their favorite stories about you from when you were a child.

46. Do you have any funny nicknames that your family or friends used to call you as a child?

What nicknames did you have as a child? How did the nickname make you feel?

47. What was your favorite toy as a child?

Did you have a favorite toy as a child? What was it and why did you love it so much?

48. Do you remember the first time that you rode a bike?

We all remember the first time that we rode a bike. How did it feel? Were you scared? Who helped you learn?

49. Do you remember the first time that you went to school?

The first day of school is always a memorable day. How did you feel? What did you do? Who did you sit with at lunch?

50. Do you remember your first best friend?

We all have that one friend that we will never forget. Who was your first best friend? How did you meet them? What are some of the things that you used to do together? If you are no longer in touch with them, consider reaching out.

51. Do you remember your first crush?

Who was your first crush? What did you do to try and get their attention?

52. Do you remember a time when you were really proud of yourself?

Reflect on a moment in your childhood when you were really proud of yourself. What did you do? How did it make you feel?

53. How have you changed since you were a child?

We all change as we grow older. How have you changed since you were a child? What things are the same? What things are different?

54. When you see old photos or video of yourself as a child, what are some of the things that you notice?

Seeing old photos and videos of ourselves can be both nostalgic and eye-opening. What are some of the things that you notice when you see old photos or videos of yourself as a child? Do you see any similarities between your child self and your adult self?

55. What are some of the things that you wish you could go back and tell your child self?

If you could go back and talk to your child self, what would you say? Would you give them any advice? Would you tell them about their future?

56. What are some of the things that you are most grateful for from your childhood?

Childhood is a time of innocence and wonder. Often, we don’t feel grateful until later in life. Reflect on your childhood and some of the things you are most grateful for.

57. Do you have any advice for parents or caregivers of children?

If you could give any advice to parents or caregivers of children, what would it be?

58. Do you think that childhood is different now than it was when you were a child?

With technology and the world constantly changing, childhood seems to be changing as well. How is childhood different now?

59. What are some of the things that you think are essential for a happy and healthy childhood?

There are many things that contribute to a happy and healthy childhood, what things do you feel are essential? Were you lacking any of these essential things growing up?

60. Who was your favorite family member to spend time with as a child?

We all have that one family member that we loved spending time with as a child. What did you like to do together?

61. Do you remember any traditions that your family had when you were growing up?

Families all have their own unique traditions. What did you like about them? Have you carried any of these traditions over?

Hopefully, these journal prompts will help you gain some insight and connect with your inner child. There are many things that we can learn from our past. By taking the time to reflect on our childhood experiences, we can gain insights into who we are and how we have grown.

Childhood is a time of innocence, exploration, and wonder. It is important to cherish those memories. We can also use journaling to work through difficult thoughts. Taking the time to reflect on our childhood can help us to appreciate the present moment more fully.