To My Inner Child: An Open Letter to Myself

To my Inner Child,

Nottingham High Infant and Junior School is always a hive of activity. Every day brings new challenges and joys, and it sometimes feels like we’re spinning a lot of plates.

So, when was the last time we truly paused to reflect, you and me?

Let’s take a moment to breathe. Listen for the laughter echoing across the playground; notice the pride shining on a child’s face after a breakthrough; sit calmly with the daily frustrations that come with this meaningful work. Amidst the hustle and bustle, let’s ask ourselves: who did we need our teachers to be when we were young and learning how to navigate the world? What kind of teacher would have made a lasting difference? Who could have been our champion?

We have the opportunity to be that teacher; not just for our pupils, but for ourselves too. To quote the great Rita Pierson, “Every child deserves a champion: an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection and insists they become the best they can possibly be.” With that in mind, here are a few promises I’m making to you, my inner child:

I’ll be your advocate.

I’ll remind you of your strengths and celebrate your wins, big and small. When doubt creeps in, I’ll be the voice that reminds you: you are capable, you are valued, and you are making a difference. We owe it to ourselves to be our own greatest champion.

I’ll take time to understand you.

When you’re feeling low, I won’t brush it aside. We’ll pause together, acknowledge the feelings, and figure out how to move forward with renewed confidence and care.

I’ll remind you to get out more.

With too much introspection, we become our own worst enemy. Sometimes, we’ve got to down tools and get out into the fresh air. Whilst it’s important to commune with our feelings, it can also beneficial to distract ourselves from them completely. We’re going to spend more time doing the things we love: making jam, hiking in the Peak District, spending time with the people who make us smile.

I promise to surround us with the things and people that bring joy and inspiration.

Our environment matters; it shapes how we feel, think, and grow. Since we spend so much time in our classrooms, let’s make this space meaningful and comforting. Let’s fill it with colours that calm us, words that motivate us, and little reminders of why we love what we do. When the day feels long or challenging, we’ll be able to lean into this space knowing that it has everything we need to succeed. I’ll build us an environment where happiness isn’t just a visitor; it lives here.

I’ll remind you to lean on others when the going gets tough.

We aren’t meant to carry everything alone, and sometimes the strongest thing we can do is accept help when it’s offered or ask for it when it’s needed.

But here’s something important to remember: trust others freely, but wisely. Be curious about people, but not naïve. Look for those who show up consistently, who listen without judgment, and who respect your boundaries. Those are the people we can lean on safely.

I’ll remind you to be true to yourself.

“This above all: to thine own self be true.”
Hamlet – Shakespeare

There will be moments when we’ll feel tempted to shrink ourselves to fit into someone else’s expectations. We might feel pressure to speak or act in ways that don’t feel right, just to please others. But remember this: our thoughts, our values, and our voices matter.

Being true to ourselves doesn’t mean we’ll never face conflict or doubt. It means making choices that align with our heart, even when they’re hard. It means standing up for what we believe in, trusting our intuition and our hard-won knowledge and experience.

And on the days when you’re unsure, I’ll be here to remind you:

• We don’t have to be perfect to be worthy.
• Listening to our inner voice is always a good place to start.
• Authenticity is magnetic; it draws the right people and opportunities to us.

So, let’s walk this path together, honestly and unapologetically for ourselves.

This week and henceforward, let’s commit to knowing ourselves so we can grow alongside the incredible young minds we teach. I want to be the champion and teacher that you, my inner child, can be proud of because that’s where real growth and joy live.

With compassion and gratitude,

Your teacher bestie xxx

(You’re very loved, you know.)