Dr. Sang on Parenting: Why Your Emotional Well-Being Matters

Parenting is one of life’s most rewarding yet challenging journeys, and at the heart of it lies an often-overlooked factor—your own emotional well-being. In his interview on Fox 26, Dr. Sang dives deep into the topic of how healing your inner child helps you parent with more patience, connection, and joy. 

“We want our kids to be happy. For them, the first person they look to for their emotional well-being is the parent, and the parent has to be emotionally well in order for us to parent well.”    

By addressing past wounds, parents can respond with greater empathy and create a nurturing home. Watch Dr. Sang’s full interview to learn how emotional healing can transform your parenting journey. 



Understanding the Inner Child

Your inner child has a huge role in how you process emotions and respond to others, often fueling parental anxiety. As Dr. Sang says, “To relieve parental anxiety, we have to start on ourselves first.” Healing helps you break past patterns leading to calmer, more connected parenting.

Signs Your Inner Child Needs Healing

Do any of these feel familiar?

• You’re easily triggered
• You struggle with self-worth
• You find it hard to set boundaries
• You fear being abandoned
• You strive for perfection

If any of these hits close to home, know you are not alone. Your inner child isn’t trying to make life harder for you; it’s just asking to be seen, heard, and healed. By addressing these wounds, you can break cycles of fear and self-doubt, allowing yourself to parent with more confidence and peace. 

The Link Between Inner Child Healing and Parenting

Have you ever responded to your child in ways that feel oddly familiar? Maybe your tone, rule, or reaction mirrors the way you were raised. That’s your inner child at work—healing it can help you embrace gentle parenting with more empathy and understanding.

When your wounds no longer dictate your responses, you naturally become more present, patient, and emotionally attuned. 

How Inner Healing Transforms Parenting

Letting go of old patterns helps you:

• Respond with intention: Instead of reacting on autopilot, you pause and choose a mindful approach.
• Foster emotional safety: Your child feels heard, validated, and supported.
• Lead by example: Practicing self-compassion teaches your child to do the same. 

If you’re seeking meaningful parenting advice, focusing on inner healing can create a more nurturing and conscious parenting experience. One great parenting advice, especially if things get overwhelming, is to focus on inner healing first.

Breaking Generational Patterns

Dr. Sang shared, “If you can do the work and heal that inner pain, your children and generations of your family will benefit as a result—and that's a great thing. That's a great gift you can give to your children. “

Many adults grew up in homes where emotions were dismissed, discipline felt harsh, or love came with conditions. But the cycle can stop with you. By prioritizing healing, you can:

• Choose connection over control.
• Normalize mistakes as stepping stones to growth.
• Acknowledge your child’s emotions rather than shutting them down.

When you begin to heal, you don’t just change your life—you create a healthier, happier foundation for future generations. If you’re ready to take that step, try emotional healing therapy. 

Benefits of Inner Child Healing

Embracing your inner child unlocks a brighter and more fulfilling future for yourself and your child. Tending to those early wounds creates space for greater joy, resilience, and self-love. Here’s how:

Emotional Resilience

Do small things set you off? Maybe your child’s meltdown triggers something deeper, or stress feels overwhelming before the day even starts. A wounded inner child can make emotions feel bigger than they are. 

As Dr. Sang explains, healing takes deep insight, a lot of self-awareness, and mindfulness. It starts with being present enough to pause and ask, “Why did I react that way?”

By healing, you can:

• Regulate emotions for a calmer mind.
• Recognize triggers instead of reacting impulsively.
• Develop self-soothing skills for a stronger sense of inner peace.

Stronger Parent-Child Connection

Healing past wounds deepens your bond with your child. As Dr. Sang says, “Once we validate our emotions, we can validate our children’s emotions, too.” Letting go of past resentment allows you to break free from old patterns and build healthier connections. When past wounds heal, relationships flourish, and you will:

• Communicate with clarity and empathy.
• Set boundaries without guilt.
• Show up as your authentic self.

Improved Mental Health

Mental health and inner child healing can go hand in hand. Healing your inner child eases: 

• Anxiety and overthinking.
• Feelings of unworthiness.
• Self-criticism.

More Self-Love and Confidence

Imagine showing up for yourself the way you show up for your child—with patience, love, and encouragement. You also deserve kindness from yourself. Inner healing leads to:

• A positive self-image.
• Confidence to follow your dreams.
• Freedom from the past.
  

How to Heal Your Inner Child: Simple Steps to Begin

Healing is a journey, not a quick fix. By incorporating trauma healing techniques, you can create a deeper sense of emotional well-being and lasting change. Here’s how to start:

Acknowledge and Connect

Your inner child is always there, waiting to be heard. Practice:

• Mindfulness: Notice when old emotions surface. Ask yourself, “What does my inner child need right now?”
• Self-Reflection: Think back to childhood moments that still affect you today.

Journal Your Feelings

Writing can unlock emotions and bring clarity. Try addressing a letter to your inner child, offering assurance and love, or reflecting on your childhood needs by telling yourself the words you always wanted to hear.

Express and Heal Through Therapeutic Techniques

Sometimes words aren’t enough, but you can always try these inner child healing exercises.

Practice Self-Compassion

Healing is not about perfection but progress. Childhood trauma recovery begins with being kind to yourself. 

• Replace self-criticism with self-acceptance.
• Speak to yourself with love and understanding. 
• Allow yourself to feel—healing isn’t linear, and that’s okay. 

How Sang Pediatrics Supports Emotional Well-Being

At Sang Pediatrics, we believe a child’s emotional well-being is deeply tied to their parents, and we’re here to nurture both. 

Whole-Child, Whole-Family Care

Our services go beyond check-ups to support emotional and behavioral health. 



Supporting Emotional Growth for Kids and Parents

By fostering emotional well-being early, we help:

• Encourage self-expression: Teaching kids (and parents) healthy communication.
• Break cycles of suppression: Creating a safe space for emotions.
• Build confidence: Providing tools for emotional intelligence that last a lifetime. 

We are more than just a pediatric office—we’re here to support you in raising confident, emotionally resilient kids. 

Embracing Healing for a Happier Future

Healing your inner child means giving yourself the love and understanding to thrive, break old cycles, and build stronger relationships, especially with your children. Growth takes time, but every step toward healing goes beyond emotions; it ensures holistic well-being for you and your family. 

If you’re ready to nurture both your own healing and your child’s emotional wellness, we’re here to support you. Connect with us today. 

Healing Starts With You