Excellent and thoughtful read. This is more of a response to your closing statement, and please know that this is written with positive intent/perspective. I don't think we never really lose our inner child... just locked away in a dark room, waiting... to be given voice and a chance to blossom. And I believe, the act of giving space and time for play and wonderment is the guiding lamp which helps with leading/pulling the inner child out of that darkness. That said, I think you have started doing just that, reconnecting with your inner child.
You're right. That's more accurate.