When advising a child to "be brave" in the face of emotional pain, what is considered a negative approach?

Promoting stoicism is considered a negative approach when advising a child to "be brave" in the face of emotional pain because it encourages the suppression of feelings rather than their expression. Stoicism emphasizes resilience and self-control to the point of neglecting or disregarding emotional experiences. This can lead to feelings of isolation and confusion in children, who may interpret the advice as a directive to hide their emotions rather than to process and understand them.

In contrast, encouraging emotional expression, accepting feelings, and offering support and comfort foster a healthier emotional environment. These approaches validate the child's feelings and help them to cope with emotional pain in a constructive way, allowing them to understand and articulate their emotions rather than constraining them under the guise of bravery.