13/09/2026
I’ve been thinking a lot this week about the messages we pass down to the children in our lives.
In my professional and personal life, a huge part of my focus is on emotional regulation, self-compassion, and building safe spaces. At home, as a mum to boys, that looks like teaching them that all feelings are valid, normal, and human.
Imagine my concern, then, when a child I care about deeply expressed to me that he felt he wasn’t allowed to show vulnerability and that men shouldn't cry or express pain.
It’s a stark reminder of how deeply ingrained old cultural narratives still are, despite all we know about emotional health and wellbeing. When outdated conditioning tells children they have to shrink part of themselves to fit a mould, it creates a heavy burden they shouldn't have to carry.
This is why the work we do around mindset and emotional safety matters so much, both in the therapy room and at home. We have to keep offering a different narrative.
nicolaridgerstherapy.co.uk