By: Varsha Seshadri
Abstract
Introduction
While being with children is something some love and others hate, it has the potential to have tremendous impacts on a teenager’s mental health. Whether that be through having a younger sibling or community service, working with kids can boost one’s mental health.
The Inner Child
Everyone has an inner child, who is marked with innocence, optimism, and happiness. This inner child can be uplifted or destroyed by childhood trauma.
As we stop playing ourselves, we become detached from our true selves and begin
leading our tedious lifestyles. But, when we included play in our lives (can be through other children), we tend to embrace our inner child.
This has many positive effects, such as:
● Healthy coping mechanisms
● Feeling of empowerment
● Being in control of your life
● Improved emotional regulation
● Increased self-esteem
● Increased self-compassion
● Increased compassion for others
While there are other ways to heal the inner child, playing can be a fun way to begin the journey!
Play in Reducing Stress
In addition to healing the inner child, play can also reduce stress. Being with children can open up our imagination as we have the capability to play in ways we can control. After all, playing with children can be like a fantasy world.
As control and predictability are two big factors in stress reduction, hanging with children has the ability to bring out both of these factors due to the nature of playing with them.
References
Cooks-Campbell, A. (2022, March 15). How inner child work enables healing and playful
discovery. Better Up. Retrieved October 22, 2024, from
https://www.betterup.com/blog/inner-child-work
Minnesota Children Museum. (n.d.). Play helps reduce stress. Retrieved October 22, 2024,
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