Feelings are feelings

They’re not positive or negative. Good or bad.

They’re just energy that needs to move. To be expressed. Sometimes kids just need that safe place where they can have their feelings – without being judged, shamed, shushed, or worse, ignored. A place where they feel comfortable being themselves.

I’m noticing in my creative writing classes for children that many students are afraid to feel. That’s a serious issue. It’s important that we help children feel free to feel – as early as possible.

To the degree that we can experience our pain and frustration is the degree to which we can experience joy and pleasure. They’re two sides of the same coin.