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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…” quote by Alice Miller
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“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.”

Alice Miller

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.

Key Takeaway

Provide safe, supportive environments for feelings.

Themes

emotion acceptance development

Mood

compassionate reflective

Type

therapeutic educational

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • therapy
  • education

Key Concepts

Psychology attachment growth

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you offer unconditional support?
  • What signs indicate emotional repression?
A Different Perspective

Repression can cause long‑term distress.

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