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Emotional life Quote by Dan Kindlon

“If you ask a boy, 'How did that make you feel?' he very often won't know how to respond. He'll talk instead about what he did or plans to do about the problem. Some boys don't even have the words for their feelings--sad or angry or ashamed--for instance. A large part of our work with boys and men…” quote by Dan Kindlon
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““If you ask a boy, 'How did that make you feel?' he very often won't know how to respond. He'll talk instead about what he did or plans to do about the problem. Some boys don't even have the words for their feelings--sad or angry or ashamed--for instance. A large part of our work with boys and men is to help them understand their emotional life and develop an emotional vocabulary.””

Dan Kindlon

About This Quote

Boys often lack emotional vocabulary, leading them to focus on actions rather than feelings, highlighting a need for emotional education.

In simple terms: Boys may not know how to talk about feelings.

Key Takeaway

Teach emotional language to boys.

Themes

emotions masculinity communication education vulnerability

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

educational inspirational

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • school counseling
  • men's support groups

Key Concepts

developmental psychology gender studies emotional intelligence

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we encourage boys to express feelings?
  • What barriers exist for emotional vocabulary?
A Different Perspective

Some may resist emotional openness.

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