ABSTRACT
Mentalization or reflective function is a theory to explain the uniquely human capacity to know another's mind and how that capacity develops beginning in infancy and through early childhood. Development proceeds best when the caregiving adults in a child's life provide attachment experiences that nurture the development of mentalization or reflective function. Often, the first sign that a child has fallen off the leading edge of development is emotional dysregulation. Perhaps the teacher and parents would have developed a behavioral chart to focus on positive reinforcement of good behaviors. If a child does not manage to become industrious, to master the demands of the school curriculum, she risks developing an identity as inferior. A social worker who stays attuned to the minds of the teachers and parents will be more effective in sharing her perspective on development.
