The art of not experiencing feelings. A child can…
“The art of not experiencing feelings. 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 of her substitute in order to feel, then she will repress emotions.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Children need unconditional acceptance to process emotions; lacking this leads to repression.
In simple terms: Acceptance enables healthy emotional expression.
Provide safe, supportive environments for feelings.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- parenting
- therapy
- education
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you offer unconditional support?
- What signs indicate emotional repression?
Repression can cause long‑term distress.