ABSTRACT
There are many methods whereby we can help children to make connections
between their inner and outer lives, and through which maybe a deeper
understanding of their inner lives can develop. Unfortunately there are
pervasive attitudes that work against children’s understanding of their inner
selves: expressions like ‘put on a brave face’, ‘best foot forward’, ‘ignore it
and it will go away’, ‘smile away your troubles’, and many more. In times of
fear and loneliness there are messages we can give to ourselves. However, for
children who are deeply troubled such measures are just a stopgap. If inner
life issues are not addressed in the young years, there will be more serious
troubles as the child grows older.
