How do you get your inner child to grow up?

I’ve heard a lot about having an inner child and how important it is to love and nurture it. Mine is holding me back from reaching my potential.

It took a long time for me to integrate my sexuality to become whole that way. Now I’m wanting to become whole emotionally.

I’m not talking about getting rid of the good parts of child-like behaviors such as a healthy sense of wonder or an ability to be vulnerable at appropriate times. I think what I’m getting at has to do with letting the childish nature mature.

Have you done work with your inner child? What worked to help it mature?