Being Your Own Parent: Nurturing and Guiding Your Inner Child

Introduction: God’s Parenting as the Blueprint

God is the ultimate parent. He’s got it all—love, wisdom, discipline, and patience (oh, so much patience!). If we think about it, God’s parenting skills are the gold standard. He guides us, forgives us, comforts us when we’re scared, and reminds us not to play in spiritual traffic.

But here’s a plot twist: God’s love isn’t just something we’re supposed to soak up. It’s something we’re supposed to mirror—not just for others but for ourselves. That’s right, you’re not off the hook! It’s time to talk about being your own parent and how to nurture the inner child God gave you.

And yes, we all have an inner child. Some of us have an inner toddler that’s been throwing tantrums for years. But don’t worry—this isn’t about discipline alone; it’s about love.

God’s Parenting: A Masterclass in Love

God’s parenting is flawless. He’s never too busy, never forgets our needs, and never puts us on “read.” He’s the Dad who always shows up. In Psalm 103:13, we’re reminded:

“As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him.”

What’s more, God doesn’t just give us boundaries; He gives us love, healing, and a path to restoration. His love is so deep and sacrificial that He sent His Son to die for us—so we could be adopted into His eternal family. If that’s not parenting goals, I don’t know what is.

The Inner Child: A Treasure Worth Protecting

Jesus loved children and even told us to be like them. Why? Because children trust easily, love freely, and come running to their Father without hesitation. Matthew 18:3 says:

“Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

But let’s be real—life has a way of making us grow up too fast. The hurts, disappointments, and burdens of adulthood can wound that childlike innocence. Many of us have an inner child hiding in a corner, scared and neglected.

Being your own parent means recognizing that inner child, taking them by the hand, and saying, “Hey, I’ve got you. We’re going to do this together, and we’re going to lean on God every step of the way.”

How to Parent Yourself: God’s Style with a Twist

Love Yourself Like God Loves You

Think about how God talks to you. He doesn’t say, “Well, that’s it—you messed up again. You’re a lost cause!” No, He calls you beloved, redeemed, and chosen.

Now, imagine talking to yourself that way. Instead of saying, “I’m such a failure,” try: “Okay, I messed up, but I’m still God’s masterpiece in progress.”

Would a good parent let their child wallow in self-doubt? Nope. So stop letting your inner child sit in the mud puddle of insecurity—get them up, dry them off, and remind them they’re loved.

Discipline Without Condemnation

Discipline is tough love. It’s saying, “You can’t eat candy for breakfast,” even when the child in you whines about it. Hebrews 12:11 says:

“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.”

Discipline isn’t about punishment—it’s about training. So when you need to tell yourself “no,” don’t do it out of shame. Do it out of love, knowing you’re protecting yourself from harm.

Boundaries Are Love Fences

Let’s talk about boundaries. They’re like those baby gates parents put up to keep toddlers from tumbling down the stairs. God sets boundaries for us because He knows what lies on the other side. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

So, put up some boundaries! Don’t let your inner child play with fire—or toxic people, or habits that lead to destruction.

Don’t Forget to Play

God didn’t create us to be all work and no joy. Your inner child needs time to laugh, play, and experience wonder. Take a walk, paint a picture, or just sit in awe of God’s creation. After all, Jesus said the kingdom of heaven belongs to those who are childlike.

Trusting the Process: God is Refining You

Parenting yourself isn’t a quick fix—it’s a lifelong journey. The good news? God is with you every step of the way. He’s not just the perfect Father; He’s also the ultimate craftsman. Malachi 3:3 says:

“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.”

God is patiently refining you until He can see His image reflected in you. That means some tough times, some fire, and a whole lot of surrender. But the end result? A you that’s more like Him.

Childlike Faith Meets Grown-Up Responsibility

Jesus said we must become like children to enter the kingdom of heaven, but that doesn’t mean acting immature. It means trusting God with the simplicity of a child while taking responsibility for nurturing your inner child. Mark 10:14-15 says:

“Let the little children come to me… Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”

Becoming like a child isn’t about shirking responsibility; it’s about approaching life with openness, trust, and dependence on God.

Conclusion: Be the Parent You Need, Trusting the Father You Have

God is your perfect parent, and His love is the foundation for how you should treat yourself. When you nurture, guide, and love yourself as He does, you honor Him and reflect His heart to the world.

So, this week, let’s remember:

• Speak kindly to yourself.

• Set boundaries for your inner child.

• Laugh, play, and find joy in God’s creation.

• Trust that God is refining you, even when it’s hard.

  
  

And when the inner child throws a tantrum, remember: God didn’t give up on you—so don’t give up on yourself.

Closing Prayer

Father, thank You for being the perfect parent. Teach us to love ourselves as You love us, to guide our inner child with wisdom, and to reflect Your grace in every part of our lives. Help us to trust You as we walk this journey of growth, healing, and restoration. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Now go and give your inner child a hug—they’ve been waiting for you to show up! 😊