[Mentalization-based Encounter to Challenges in Early Childhood Education with Refugee Families]

Mentalization-based Encounter to Challenges in Early Childhood Education with Refugee Families This article introduces the mentalization concept into the field of early childhood education suggesting that it can also provide a helpful framework for working with refugee families in these settings. Mentalization is identified as a crucial element in establishing and maintaining relationships that are developmentally conducive. It is argued that a mentalizing attitude is relevant for dealing with children with traumatic experiences as well as families with a different cultural background due to its emphasis on openness, curiosity, and (self)reflexivity. In stressful contexts, however, mentalizing can fail or become biased. After providing information on psychotraumatology and cultural influences on child development, the paper will therefore focus on specific ways in which the confrontation with traumatized children and families from diverse cultural backgrounds can interfere with professionals' mentalizing capacities.