Alice Miller (psychologist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alice Miller
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Alice Miller
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| Born |
Alicija Englard
12 January 1923 Piotrków Trybunalski, Poland
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| Died | 14 April 2010 (aged 87) |
| Known for | Psychology, psychohistory, psychoanalysis, philosophy |
| Scientific career | |
| Influences | Mariella Mehr Katharina Rutschky |
Alice Miller (born Alicija Englard; January 12, 1923 – April 14, 2010) was a famous Polish-Swiss psychologist, psychoanalyst, and philosopher. She was known for her important books about how childhood experiences, especially difficult ones, can affect people later in life. Her books have been translated into many languages, helping people around the world understand these ideas. She was also a well-known public thinker.
Contents
Who Was Alice Miller?
Alice Miller was born in Poland. She later moved to Switzerland and became a Swiss citizen. She studied many subjects, including philosophy, psychology, and sociology. A psychologist studies how the human mind works and how it affects behavior. A psychoanalyst is a type of psychologist who helps people understand their unconscious thoughts and feelings. A philosopher thinks deeply about big questions in life.
Her Important Ideas About Childhood
Alice Miller believed that how children are treated by their parents or caregivers is very important. She thought that if children are not treated with respect and understanding, it can cause problems for them as adults. These problems might include feeling sad, anxious, or having trouble with relationships.
She wrote that children need to be truly seen and heard. They need their feelings to be accepted, even if those feelings are difficult. If children are forced to ignore their own feelings to please adults, they might grow up feeling lost or unsure of themselves.
The Book That Changed Things
One of her most famous books is The Drama of the Gifted Child. When it was published in English in 1981, it became a huge bestseller. This book helped many people understand her ideas about childhood. It explained how children who are very sensitive or talented might learn to hide their true feelings to meet their parents' expectations.
Miller's ideas were different from some older ways of thinking about psychology. She believed that some traditional methods of raising children, which she called "poisonous pedagogies," could actually harm a child's spirit. These methods often involved strict rules, punishment, and making children feel guilty. She argued that these approaches could prevent children from developing into healthy, authentic adults.
Why Her Work Matters Today
Alice Miller's work has had a lasting impact on how we understand child development. Her books helped many people realize the importance of treating children with kindness and empathy. She showed how early experiences shape who we become.
Her ideas encourage parents and caregivers to listen to children. They also teach us to respect children's feelings and needs. Her work reminds us that a healthy childhood is key to a healthy adult life.
See also
- In Spanish: Alice Miller para niños
