Inner child work
As younger generations become more self-aware, and young people strive to break free of generational trauma, practices such as ‘healing one’s inner child’ have gained popularity. Inner child work focuses on acknowledging childhood trauma and healing from past neglect. This practice can manifest itself in reconnecting with one’s inner child by buying childhood items, such as toys and games, or participating in childhood activities—beginner dance classes, roller-skating with friends and watercolor painting nights.
Although research on the topic continues to be conducted and released, researchers from the Department of Health Sciences from the University of Technology in Luleå, Sweden, found in a recent study that “nurturing the inner child…can be of great value for promoting health” for older populations. These findings point to the scientific value behind the childlike trends overtaking TikTok.
As this type of mental healing becomes more widespread, fashion and activity trends have begun to change to accommodate this newfound need for nostalgia.
Return of 2000s nostalgia
As the new year begins with a bang, the early 2000s are all the rage; maximalist fashion trends, colorful pen sets, glittery hair decorations and Tamagotchi toys are overtaking social media platforms and influencer accounts. A trip to a local Target can feel like stepping into a time machine back to the early 2000s, when life’s dramas revolved around Club Penguin accounts and celebrity gossip columns.
For many college-age people, this new surge of nostalgia may seem like another quick fad in the constant recycling of trends. The reasons behind it, however, may be more profound.
A big promoter of inner child work and avid American Girl doll collector, Nicole Mendez-Villarrubia, ‘23, advocates for embracing hobbies that spark joy, no matter what the age-limit may be.
“For me, healing my inner child is about embracing joy and taking up space when the world tells you to make yourself small and be ashamed. It’s not the act of purchasing something that’s healing my inner child. Rather, it’s honoring my interests and nurturing that spark,” said Mendez-Villarrubia.
For Mendez-Villarrubia, and many others like her, this return to childhood basics is more of a return to joy than it is a marketing scheme.
Fashion forward flashbacks
As one of the main means of expression, the impact of nostalgic trends on the fashion industry is undeniable. Cosmopolitan listed 38 fashion trends from the 2000s making a comeback in recent years. Included were bucket hats, corset tops and satin slip dresses.
Nicole Brandy, ’23, made her own list of favorite fashion trends that have recently made comebacks which included claw clips, low-waisted pants and layering.
When asked about the draw towards these returning trends, Brandy said, “I grew up seeing teenagers and young adults wearing that stuff, and that’s how I wanted to dress when I was that age, so I’m glad it’s back in style.”
For Brandy, this comeback to her fashion roots allows her to connect with her younger self and fulfill her childhood fashion dreams.
Gadgets and gizmos aplenty
For every chunky highlight and rhinestone earring is a 1990’s or 2000’s toy also making a comeback. More than ever, adults—both old and young—can be found spending their money on toys they weren’t given as kids. Now with real-life-adult jobs and extra cash under their oversized, sparkly belts, they can afford to buy all the Barbie dolls, Build-a-Bears and Pokémon cards they begged their parents for as kids.
For some, this newfound acceptance of hobbies previously labeled immature helps them connect not only to themselves, but also larger communities.
“I felt self-conscious amidst societal pressure to let go of childish things. But I believe there’s value in staying true to your interests and what brings you joy. Collecting American Girl dolls and making dear friends through this hobby honestly helped me survive some of the hardest years of my life,” said Mendez-Villarrubia.
Purchasing these items, and therefore nurturing one’s inner child, can help promote growth. Simply the act of engaging in seemingly silly, childhood games or purchasing a plastic action figure can help people connect with the young child inside of them. This connection can allow them to mend past traumas and begin the process of moving forward.
In defense of fun
When a person finally connects with their inner child, they promote personal growth and well-being. Participating in childhood activities and buying items that remind them of their early years can be the key to working through past feelings of neglect. After a few tumultuous years of death and loss, this practice almost seems like a necessity.
Although some skeptics doubt the validity of inner child work, if healing can be even partially achieved through things like Silly Bandz, Lalaloopsy dolls and frolicking through open fields in poofy dresses, then so be it. Let the inner child have its time in the sun.
