Reparenting Yourself in Adulthood: What It Looks Like and Why It Matters

At some point, you realize that the love, validation, and protection you were waiting for…
has to come from you.

Maybe you never learned how to calm your anxiety.
Maybe your emotions were ignored.
Maybe you were praised for being “strong,” but never taught how to feel safe.

And now, as an adult, you’re healing what your younger self never got.
That’s what reparenting is. And it’s powerful.

What Is Reparenting?

Reparenting is the process of giving yourself the care, structure, and nurturing you didn’t receive consistently growing up.

It’s not about blaming your parents—it’s about empowering your present self.

You get to:

• Validate your emotions

• Set boundaries without guilt

• Learn how to self-soothe

• Speak to yourself with kindness

Signs You May Need to Reparent Yourself

• You struggle with people-pleasing or over-explaining

• You avoid rest because it feels “lazy”

• You fear making mistakes or being rejected

• You feel unsafe expressing your needs

These patterns didn’t come out of nowhere—they were learned.
Now, you get to unlearn them with love.

4 Ways to Start Reparenting Yourself

1. Talk to Yourself Like You’d Talk to a Little Girl You Love

When you mess up or feel anxious, try:

• “It’s okay to feel this way.”

• “You’re safe now.”

• “I’m proud of you for trying.”

Let your self-talk be soft, supportive, and stable.

2. Give Yourself the Structure You Crave

Children need routine to feel safe. So do we.

• Go to bed at a decent time

• Eat nourishing food

• Set limits around your screen time

• Use planners, lists, and reminders to reduce chaos

The Grow and Glow Planner helps you build gentle structure into your days—so your nervous system can relax and feel held.

3. Create Emotional Safety in Small Moments

Notice when you're overwhelmed and pause.
Ask: What do I need right now? What would soothe me?

Maybe it’s a walk. A deep breath. A boundary. A cry.
Give yourself what you needed back then—now.

4. Honor Your Inner Child Through Joy

Reparenting isn’t just about healing wounds—it’s about reclaiming joy.
Color. Dance. Rest. Laugh. Let your inner child play.

Pause + Reflect:

What did younger you need to hear more often?
What did she need to feel safe?

Write it down. Speak it to yourself today.
Tag @EmpowerHerPages or use #EmpowerHerInnerChild if you’re embracing the healing journey of reparenting—you’re not alone.