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Childhood Emotions
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Childhood Emotions
About
Contact
About
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The Preservation of Natural Emotions Model

1. The Five Core Emotions

Sadness • Fear • Guilt & Shame • Joy • Anger

These emotions are designed to protect children, guide their behaviour, and teach essential life skills.

When supported, they help children learn:

  •          Compassion & empathy

  •          Forgiveness of self and others

  •          Honesty & integrity

  •         Assertiveness

  •        Safety & emotional security

2. The Moment of Disapproval

Humiliation, criticism, or disapproval around an emotion, triggers a child’s instinct to self‑protect.

Internal message formed:

“This emotion is not safe. I must hide it.”

3. Suppression Begins

The child starts to push down the “unsafe” emotion/s to avoid further embarrassment or rejection.

What fades:

  •         Expression

  •         Communication

  •         Emotional clarity

  •          Trust in their own feelings

  • Confidence and Self-belief

What can build:

  • Feelings of ‘I am not enough’.

  • Self loathing

  • Isolation & disconnection

  • A need to stay on high alert

  • Loss of identity

4. The Emotional System Reorganises

When one emotion is suppressed, the entire emotional system shifts out of balance.

The remaining natural Emotions → Distorted Form

  •         Sadness → Depression

  •         Fear → Anxiety

  •         Anger → Aggression

  •      Joy → Toxic Positivity

  •        Guilt & Shame → Toxic Shame