Thank you for asking. In Jainism, harm to living beings, even unintentionally in childhood, is addressed with reflection, sincere repentance, and a renewed commitment to ahimsa (nonviolence).

What you can do now

• Acknowledge the past without dwelling on guilt. Simply recognize that you did not know better at that time, and resolve to practice nonviolence today and tomorrow.
• Seek forgiveness (Michhami Dukkadam). Verbally or in your heart, offer forgiveness to all beings you may have harmed, and gently ask them to forgive you. This is a standard Jain practice to reduce karmic burdens and cultivate compassion.
• Perform daily acts of ahimsa:

- Practice nonviolence in speech, thought, and action. - Be mindful around insects and small creatures; consider preserving their lives when possible. - Follow a vegetarian or lacto-vegetarian lifestyle to minimize harm to living beings.

• Regular spiritual practices to purify karma:

- Samayik (focused meditation for a fixed period). - Pratikraman (self-reckoning and confession of mistakes, with repentance and resolutions). - Chaityaabhavna (inner remembrance of Jain teachings and virtues).

• Cultivate compassion in daily life:

- Practice small, consistent acts of kindness toward all beings. - Learn and reflect on Jain ethics, so your future choices align with nonviolence and truth.

• If you feel unsettled, talk to a Jain elder, monk, or teacher for guidance tailored to your tradition (Śvetāmbara or Digambara). They can suggest appropriate pratikraman practices and any suitable ascetic vows you might take.

Notes on tradition

• There are differences in emphasis between Digambaras and Śvetāmbaras in certain practices, but the core idea remains the same: address past harm with humility, repentance, and a stronger commitment to nonviolence.

If you’d like, tell me whether you follow Śvetāmbara or Digambara traditions, and I can tailor the guidance (including specific prayers or sequences) to fit that path.