Art Quote by Alice MIller, The Drama of the gifted child
““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.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Drama of the Gifted Child, 1979
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.
