Becoming the Parent You Always Needed
Not everyone had a childhood filled with love, safety, and support. Some of us learned to fend for ourselves too soon, to shrink in order to be accepted, or to seek approval in all the wrong places. But here’s the good news: You don’t have to keep living in survival mode. You can reparent yourself.
Reparenting means giving yourself now what you needed as a child. It’s about becoming your own safe place.
Signs You Need to Reparent Yourself:
You struggle with self-compassion and constantly criticize yourself.
You attract emotionally unavailable people because it feels familiar.
You have difficulty setting boundaries, fearing rejection.
You put others' needs before your own, even when it harms you.
You crave validation but struggle to accept compliments.
Activities to Reparent Yourself:
Create a Safe Space: Build a cozy corner in your home filled with soft blankets, stuffed animals, and comforting scents.
Daily “I Love You” Check-In: Look in the mirror every morning and say, I love you. I will take care of you today.
Rewrite Your Childhood Story: If your past lacked love or safety, write a new version where you received what you needed.
Establish a Loving Routine: Set regular times for meals, self-care, and rest—just like a nurturing parent would.
Hold Your Own Hand: When feeling anxious, physically hold your own hand as a reminder that you are safe and loved.
Self-Reflection Questions:
What do you wish someone had done for you as a child? How can you do it for yourself now?
What does self-care look like when it’s truly about nurturing, not just productivity?
How can you offer yourself more gentleness?
Denouement:
You don’t have to keep seeking outside what you can give yourself inside. The question is: Will you finally become your own protector, nurturer, and guide?
