We all carry pieces of our childhood with us, whether we realise it or not.
Sometimes, those old patterns and emotions shape the way we think, react, and make decisions in ways that aren’t always obvious. While some people work hard to “grow up” and push their inner child aside, others stay deeply connected to the parts of themselves that never really aged. And while that can sometimes hold you back, it can also keep life fun, creative, and full of wonder. Here’s how you know that your inner child is still calling the shots — and why that’s actually okay.
1. You still crave comfort the way you did as a kid.
Whether it’s wrapping yourself in a cosy blanket, eating the same comfort foods you loved as a child, or rewatching your favourite childhood shows, you find yourself drawn to the things that made you feel safe when you were younger. It’s not just nostalgia; it’s a way of self-soothing. Your inner child remembers what made you feel at ease, and when life gets stressful, those same things still bring you a sense of security.
2. You struggle with authority figures.
When someone talks down to you or tries to control you, you feel an almost instinctive resistance to it. Whether it’s a boss, a teacher, or even a friend being a little too pushy, you have a strong urge to push back. That might come from childhood experiences where you felt unheard or powerless, and even now, your inner child refuses to let anyone make you feel small. While it can sometimes lead to defiance, it also means you have a strong sense of personal boundaries.
3. You have a playful and imaginative side that never faded.
You still love silly jokes, make-believe scenarios, and seeing the world through a lens of curiosity. Maybe you talk to animals, come up with ridiculous “what-if” questions, or get way too into board games. Some people lose their sense of play as they grow up, but you never did. And honestly? That’s something to be proud of. Creativity and playfulness keep life interesting.
4. You take rejection or criticism harder than most.
When someone doesn’t like you or criticises something you’ve done, it stings in a way that feels bigger than the situation itself. It’s as if your younger self is reliving those old feelings of not being good enough. But instead of seeing this as a weakness, it’s a sign that you care a lot. Your inner child still wants to be accepted, but with time, you can remind yourself that you don’t need everyone’s approval to be valuable.
5. You struggle with the idea of “boring adult responsibilities.”
Paying bills, keeping up with emails, or doing tedious errands? Not your favourite things. Even though you can do them, there’s still a part of you that wishes someone else would handle it for you. Your inner child is still longing for the days when those things weren’t your problem. The good news? That same part of you is also great at finding ways to make life more fun, even when responsibilities get in the way.
6. You light up when you get to do something you loved as a kid.
Maybe it’s roller skating, drawing, playing video games, or climbing things you probably shouldn’t be climbing. The moment you get to do something that reminds you of childhood, you feel completely in your element. Your inner child isn’t just alive, it’s thriving. And while some people lose their passions over time, you’ve kept yours close, which means you always have a source of joy within reach.
7. You struggle with emotional regulation when you feel overwhelmed.
Big emotions can sometimes hit you like a wave, and when they do, it’s not always easy to handle them rationally. If something upsets you, you might feel it deeply and struggle to push it aside, even if you know you should. That’s because your inner child still reacts in the way it learned to. The good news? Now that you’re older, you have the tools to work through those feelings in a way that your younger self didn’t.
8. You form deep attachments to certain objects.
Whether it’s a childhood stuffed animal, an old t-shirt, or a random object that holds sentimental value, there are some things you just can’t bring yourself to get rid of. Your inner child sees those things as more than just “stuff”—they hold memories, emotions, and a sense of familiarity that still matters to you now.
9. You get excited about the small joys in life.
Some people outgrow their excitement for the little things, but not you. Whether it’s spotting a rainbow, finding the perfect snack, or hearing a song you love at the right moment, you still get that same childlike rush of happiness. It’s one of the best gifts your inner child gives you — the ability to find joy in things that other people don’t even care about.
10. You have a deep sense of fairness.
When something feels unfair, you feel it in your core. Whether it’s seeing someone being treated badly or watching people get away with things they shouldn’t, you have a strong reaction to injustice. This comes from childhood experiences where fairness mattered a lot. While the world isn’t always just, your inner child still holds onto the belief that it should be.
11. You still want to be taken care of sometimes.
Even if you’re independent and fully capable, there are moments when you wish someone else would handle things for you. Whether it’s cooking, problem-solving, or just making a tough decision, you sometimes long for the ease of having someone else take charge. Your inner child isn’t being lazy; it just remembers how nice it felt to be looked after. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with wanting that kind of comfort now and then.
12. You refuse to let life become dull.
You never let yourself get completely lost in the routine of adult life. Whether it’s planning spontaneous adventures, making time for hobbies, or just refusing to take things too seriously, you’re committed to keeping things interesting. Your inner child keeps you from becoming someone who only focuses on work and responsibilities. While other people might lose touch with that playful, curious side of themselves, you keep yours alive — and that’s something worth holding onto.
