Sample Letter to an Alienated Child - Dr. Travis Gee

A simple template you can adapt to your situation, explaining some basic alienation processes to a young child.

Dear [Name], I hope this letter finds you well. I want to talk to you about something very important and maybe a little complicated, but I believe you are smart enough to understand it. It's about how our minds can sometimes be tricked into believing things that aren't true, and how it can feel easier to believe one side of a story while ignoring the other. First, let's talk about false memories. Our brains are like big, complex puzzles, and sometimes pieces can get mixed up or even added that don't really belong there. False memories are memories that feel real but didn't actually happen. They can be formed when someone tells us something over and over, especially someone we trust like a parent. Over time, we might start to believe these things really happened, even if they didn't. Imagine if someone kept telling you a story about a day at the beach that never really happened. They describe it in such detail that you can almost see the sand, feel the sun, and hear the waves. Eventually, your brain might create a memory of that day, even though it was just a story. Now, let's talk about something called cognitive dissonance. This is a big term that means feeling really uncomfortable because you have two opposite ideas in your mind at the same time. Our brains don't like this feeling, so they try to make it go away by choosing one idea and ignoring the other. For example, if you've been told one story about your father by your mother, but you hear a different story from someone else, it can be confusing and upsetting. To make this uncomfortable feeling go away, your brain might choose to believe the story you've heard the most or the one that feels easier to accept. It's important to know that this doesn't mean you're doing anything wrong. Our brains are just trying to protect us from feeling bad or confused. But it's also important to remember that hearing different sides of a story can help us find out what's really true. Sometimes, adults make mistakes or think they're doing the right thing by not telling the whole truth. It can be hard, but asking questions and listening to different perspectives can help you understand the full picture. You are very smart and brave, and it's okay to feel confused or upset. It's okay to ask questions and seek the truth. It's okay to ask a guidance counsellor or teacher for help. Remember, the people who care about you will support you no matter what. Take care and stay curious,

[Your Name]