When It’s Not Your Partner Speaking But Their Inner Child

Hello MindFull Readers,

Have you ever looked at your partner in a moment of conflict or withdrawal and suddenly seen a younger version of them? Maybe it’s the way they shut down. Or lash out. Or blame you instead of being able to say, “That really hurt me.”

These are often signs that their inner child is speaking and not their adult self. It’s taken me years to recognise this in my own marriage and even to recognise this in my own behaviour.

There were times when I would go silent after an argument, disappearing emotionally for days. In the past, I couldn’t even name what I was feeling. I would feel like a burden, ashamed and even useless.

But one day, I paused and saw the little children in both of us. The boy and the girl who never felt safe being vulnerable. The child who learned that retreating was safer than being shamed.

That moment changed everything.

Of course, it’s not our job to fix our partner’s wounds. But reparenting has taught me this: compassion and boundaries can coexist.

We can support each other’s healing, without abandoning ourselves.

I can hold my own hurt with care, while gently holding space for the little child in him too.

Have you ever seen the inner child in your partner? I’m curious to learn more, so let me know! 🩵

With warmth and mindfulness,

Michelle Lim | Reparenting Coach

I help you break free from generational trauma and nurture a new cycle of emotional safety by reparenting your inner child.

P.S. Ready to explore whether reparenting coaching is right for you?

Book a free 30-minute Healing & Growth Call — no pressure, just a heart-to-heart:

👉 Schedule here 🩵

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