Healing Our Inner Wounded Child

Acknowledging the Wounded Inner Child

Healing begins with acknowledgment.

As a mother, it can be difficult to face the wounds we’ve carried since childhood, but understanding that these emotional scars are real is the first step toward healing.

Acknowledge the hurt you’ve experienced, but remember—your past doesn’t define who you are today.

By identifying the sources of pain, you allow yourself to begin the healing process.

Tip: Take a quiet moment to reflect and journal about your past experiences.

What emotions do you feel when you think back to your childhood? Recognizing these feelings can be the first step toward healing.

Embracing Self-Compassion in Your Healing Journey

Healing from childhood trauma is a journey that requires patience and kindness toward yourself. It’s easy to feel guilty for past emotional pain or think that you should have “gotten over it” by now, but that’s simply not true.

Treat yourself with the same compassion you would show a friend. Healing is not linear, and it’s okay to have setbacks. Be gentle with yourself as you work through this process.

Tip: Each time you feel critical of yourself, remind yourself of Allah's mercy. Just as Allah is merciful to us, we too should be merciful to ourselves in our healing journey.

Reconnecting with Your Inner Child

Your inner child is a part of you that still needs love, comfort, and understanding.

To heal, you must reconnect with that younger version of yourself—your innocent, vulnerable self that may have been neglected or hurt.

Try visualizing your younger self and offering her comfort. What would you tell her now, as the mother you are today? Offering this love to yourself can bring great healing.

Tip: Spend time in quiet reflection, focusing on the image of your younger self. Embrace her with love, and let go of any shame or guilt.

Forgiveness: Letting Go of the Past

Forgiving others—and ourselves—is one of the most powerful steps toward healing.

Holding on to past hurts only continues to wound our inner child. Letting go of resentment doesn’t mean forgetting, but freeing yourself from the pain.

By forgiving the people who hurt you, you create space for growth and emotional freedom. But remember, this forgiveness is for YOU, not the other person.

Tip: In your prayers (dua), ask Allah to help you release the burden of resentment. Trust that Allah will heal your heart. Forgiveness is an act of mercy that lightens your soul.

Breaking the Cycle: Healing for Your Children

Healing your inner child not only benefits you but also protects your own children from the cycle of trauma. As a mother, your healing allows you to raise children with the emotional tools they need to thrive.

When we heal ourselves, we model healthy emotional regulation, empathy, and self-awareness for our children. We break the cycle of emotional pain and give them a different foundation.

Tip: Be aware of moments when past wounds surface. Use these as opportunities to practice emotional self-regulation so your children see how you respond with care and understanding.

Seeking Therapy and Support

There’s no shame in seeking help from a therapist or counselor to guide you through the process of healing childhood trauma. Sometimes we need a neutral space to unpack the past, gain insights, and learn coping strategies.

As a Muslim, remember that seeking professional support is in line with the Sunnah of caring for your mental health. Allah has created helpers for a reason—don't hesitate to seek their guidance.

Tip: If therapy feels overwhelming, start by looking for a counselor who understands Islamic perspectives on healing. It’s okay to ask for help when you need it.

Rewriting Your Story

Our childhood experiences shape the way we see the world, but they don’t have to define us. Part of healing is rewriting the narrative of your life. You are not just the sum of your past trauma—you are a strong, resilient mother capable of healing.

Challenge the limiting beliefs you may have internalized from childhood, and replace them with affirmations of strength, worth, and hope.

Tip: Write a new narrative for yourself. Begin with statements like, “I am deserving of love,” and “I am strong enough to heal and move forward.” Remind yourself of your inherent value.

Nurturing Your Emotional Needs

As a mother, it’s easy to put your emotional needs last. However, to heal from childhood wounds, you must start nurturing your own emotional well-being.

When your inner child is neglected, so are your emotions, which can lead to burnout and resentment.

Prioritize activities that replenish your energy and bring joy to your life. This might be prayer, creative expression, or simply resting.

Tip: Make self-care a non-negotiable part of your week. Just like you schedule your family’s activities, make time for activities that nurture your soul and emotional health.

Releasing Shame and Guilt

Many women carry shame and guilt from their childhoods, believing that they are not worthy of love or happiness. These feelings often stem from things beyond your control.

Healing your inner child involves releasing the shame and guilt you’ve internalized. Trust that you are not defined by past experiences. You are a mother with an incredible capacity for love and healing.

Tip: When you feel shame or guilt creeping in, remind yourself that you are loved by Allah, who is the best of healers. Allow yourself to let go of those feelings and embrace your worth.

Prayer as a Source of Healing

As Muslim mothers, prayer (salah) is a powerful tool for healing our inner wounds. Turning to Allah in prayer, asking for His mercy, and seeking His guidance can soothe the heart and soul.

Prayer helps ground you, allowing you to release the emotional pain that burdens you.

When you feel overwhelmed by trauma, turn to Allah—He is always there to listen and heal.

Tip: Make a habit of asking Allah for strength and healing in your duas. Trust that with every prayer, you’re moving closer to emotional peace and recovery.