I find "inner child" triggering, and prefer the idea of an "inner puppy" to represent the playful, carefree, yet vulnerable part of myself. By caring for my inner puppy, I can approach self-compassion with a lighter and more joyful mindset, free from the weight of past traumas.
Often it is better to let go of our need to control and provide answers, by intentionally choosing wonder over explanation, because it allows us to appreciate the awe inspiring nature of the world around us, rather than killing the joy and magic by reflexively explaining it away.