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These people have all developed the art of not…

“These people have all developed the art of not experiencing feelings, for a child can experience her feelings only when there is somebody there who accepts her fully, understands her, and supports her. If that person is missing, if the child must risk losing the mother's love or the love of her…” quote by Alice MIller, The Drama of the gifted child
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““These people have all developed the art of not experiencing feelings, for a child can experience her feelings only when there is somebody there who accepts her fully, understands her, and supports her. If that person is missing, if the child must risk losing the mother's love or the love of her substitute in order to feel, then she will repress her emotions.””

Alice MIller, The Drama of the gifted child

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Children suppress emotions when they lack unconditional acceptance and support, leading to emotional repression.

In simple terms: Kids hide feelings without safe, supportive adults.

Key Takeaway

Foster environments where children feel fully accepted.

Themes

psychology child development emotional health

Mood

empathetic reflective

Type

psychological therapeutic

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • therapy
  • education
  • family dynamics

Key Concepts

attachment validation repression growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What can adults do to provide safe emotional spaces?
  • How does emotional repression affect adult life?
A Different Perspective

Children may develop coping mechanisms that hinder authentic emotional expression.

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