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We are hard wired for self esteem. We know if our block structure stands or falls. We know if we can’t catch a ball. Programs that give stars rating performance neutralize that internal judgement mechanism. As a therapist with chn I would look at their drawing and remark, ‘you use a lot of blue.’ I would withold compliments. After 3-4 meeings, they would happily show me a drawing. Clearly they liked it. Their hard wired fair self judgement had kicked in. I had to counsel parents, cut down on the compliments. Esteem cannot be programmed.

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Thank you for sharing your insights. Your perspective on self-esteem and internal judgment resonates deeply with the themes in my story. In this story, Gabriel’s struggle was influenced by the high expectations placed on him, first by his mother and then by Elara, the fox. Like the children you work with, Gabriel had to learn to find his own inner strength and self-worth rather than seeking external validation. Your approach of acknowledging without complimenting aligns well with the journey of self-discovery and inner harmony that Gabriel experienced. I truly appreciate the valuable work you do with children.

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I so miss the storytelling we used to do. Trends in childrens’ literature are so boring, predictable and pc. I’m sure your fable strikes a cord in the heart of many. I printed it. Love your site. BTW, I’m a grandma semi-retired. My Home Cooked site, hopefully will enrich peoples’ understanding of our children and our deeper self. https://homecookedanalysis.substack.com/

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Thank you so much for your thoughtful words and encouragement! I'm delighted that the fable resonated with you and that you could appreciate the deeper themes and dynamics I aimed to distill through the storytelling.

I love the idea of creating a collection of tales that explore different human interactions and life "scripts" in a symbolic, metaphorical way. I have always enjoyed and felt inspired by magical realism. It means so much to me that you enjoyed my writing, especially as I'm just starting out on Substack after not blogging for many years.

I look forward to exploring your Substack as well and learning more about the Freudian perspectives you share. While I tend towards more Jungian psychological frameworks myself, I'm always eager to expand my understanding.

Thank you again for printing the fable and for your warm encouragement. This helps make the writing journey all the more meaningful for me.

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