The Minefield of the Mind: helping children make sense of their hearts and minds

DR. HESTER O CONNOR, a clinical psychologist, shares some simple ways to help children know what is going on inside their hearts and minds.

- DR. HESTER O CONNOR

The ability to recognize and manage feelings and emotions is very protective for the mental health and the well-being of children. Yet it is not automatic for children to grow up knowing about their feelings and emotions. We teach children many wonderful and valuable lessons at home and in school, but there is still a big gap in teaching children how to understand what is going on inside their hearts and minds.

With the external stimulation and distraction of social media, it is hardly surprising that many children are growing up with little sense of who they are on the inside. So when young people face difficulties at home, in school, or in relationships, they can find themselves at a loss to make sense of their feelings and emotions. Some feel totally overwhelmed and frightened of what is happening to them on the inside. Helping a child to develop the ability to understand their own mental states and feelings, and to make sense of the feelings of others, is a crucial skill that will build their resilience and enable them to manage better in the world.

Why is the ability to know one's heart and mind important?