BLOGS Find Out More Back To Blogs When a woman becomes a mother, she often confronts parts of herself that were formed in childhood. The “inner child” refers to the emotional memories, needs, wounds, and patterns developed early in life. These can influence how she reacts to her own children—especially during stressful or […]
When a woman becomes a mother, she often confronts parts of herself that were formed in childhood. The “inner child” refers to the emotional memories, needs, wounds, and patterns developed early in life. These can influence how she reacts to her own children—especially during stressful or emotional situations.
How the Inner Child Shows Up in Parenting
Triggers: A child’s tantrum or emotional need might unconsciously trigger the mother’s unresolved childhood wounds (e.g., abandonment, rejection).
Overcompensation: Some mothers may try to give their child everything they missed, sometimes to the point of enmeshment or neglecting boundaries.
Emotional Disconnect: If a mother wasn’t nurtured emotionally, she may struggle to connect emotionally with her own child.
Self-Criticism: A harsh inner critic (often formed in childhood) can make a mother feel like she’s never good enough.
Healing the Inner Child for Parenting
1. Awareness: Notice emotional reactions that feel disproportionate
2. Inner work: connecting with and nurturing your inner child.
3. Gentle Reparenting: Learn to give yourself the love, patience, and validation you may have lacked as a child.
4. Modeling Wholeness: As you heal, you model emotional regulation, self-compassion, and healthy boundaries.
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