Growing families one circuit at a time
Growing families one circuit at a time
Helping children understand their big feelings, one part at a time
Have you ever noticed your child say something like, “Part of me wants to join in, but another part feels too nervous”?
That is not just a throwaway phrase. It is a window into something powerful. In psychology, we can think of this as every child having different “parts” inside them. At The Growth Circuit we call these the Inner Team. Some parts are loud and confident, others are cautious or worried. Sometimes they work together, and sometimes they pull in different directions. The good news is that when children (and parents) learn how to recognise these parts, it can transform the way they handle emotions, friendships, and challenges.
The Inner Team is a simple way of describing something psychologists have known for decades: we all have different voices, perspectives, and schemas inside us.
We often use parts language in everyday speech:
In Gestalt psychology there is a saying: “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” The Inner Team builds on this idea by showing children that while each part (like Confident Charlie or Negative Nala) has its own voice, together they make up the whole child. No single part defines them. It is the way they come together that creates their unique self.
For children, this matters deeply. Many believe, “I am bad, because I get angry,” or “I am weak, because I feel scared.” But when we frame those feelings as parts of them, rather than all of them, the shame often lifts.
Instead of “I am anxious,” a child can say:
“That is my Negative Nala showing up.”
Instead of “I am bossy,” they can say:
“My Confident Charlie part wanted to take charge.”
This shift helps kids see that all parts of them have value, even the tricky ones.
At The Growth Circuit, we use playful characters to bring these parts to life. We call this the Inner Team Framework.
Negative Nala: the critical inner voice that says, “You can’t do it.”
Confident Charlie: the encourager who reminds kids of their strengths.
Thoughtful Thelma: the calm, reflective voice that says, “Let’s pause and think.”
Curious Candice: the explorer who asks questions and seeks new ideas.
Perfect Patty: the part that wants everything just right. She pushes hard for success but can sometimes make children feel pressured.
Caring Claire: the gentle, compassionate part who wants to help others and keep relationships warm.
Impulsive Isaac: the energetic “do it now” part who loves excitement and action but can forget to pause and think first.
By giving names and personalities to these parts, children find it easier to talk about what is happening inside them. It turns overwhelming feelings into something familiar, approachable, and even fun.
In the Inner Team Framework each part draws from psychology and evidence based tools. This helps families integrate skills in a way that is easy, practical, and playful.
When children learn about their Inner Team they:
This is the foundation of emotional intelligence, a skill that predicts success far beyond the classroom.
The best part is that you do not need to be a therapist to use this approach. (Although the Inner Team works beautifully in therapy rooms too.) Parents can weave it into everyday life:
At homework time: “Sounds like Negative Nala is loud right now. Can we invite Charlie to have a turn?”
At bedtime: “Which Inner Team member is showing up as you are getting ready to sleep?”
After a tough day: “Who was the loudest part of your team today?”
These small conversations help kids externalise their feelings, instead of being swallowed up by them.
A New Way to See Emotions
Big feelings do not mean something is wrong with your child. They mean different parts of their Inner Team are trying to help, protect, or guide them, sometimes in clumsy ways.
When we teach kids that all parts are important, they learn self-acceptance. And when we give them tools to listen, question, and balance those parts, they learn confidence.
That is why every child has an Inner Team, and why learning to know them can make such a difference to their emotional wellbeing.
Parent Tip: This week, ask your child, “Which part of your Inner Team is loudest right now?”
You might be surprised at what they say.
Want a playful way to start Inner Team conversations at home? Explore our book here.
The Growth Circuit empowers parents with fun, psychology-based tools to raise emotionally aware children.
