It was threatened at around age 12 by a series of RL shit involving my parents' marriage. It survived for a period of years up until I entered my 21st year. Then, it was stamped out over a period of that year and the next due to heavy life responsibilities.
It wasn't until I had my second child at around age 28 that I realized I could see from behind his eyes, and recall what it felt to be so young, and so much a child. The memories put me back in touch with my inner child, and I've tried to remember it often so as to not lose touch again.
The seriousness of life can ruin your soul if you do not have the ability to look out on it occasionally without the do or die cares of the adult mindset.