Minezo- Envy

Top Tips and Support

Who is Minezo?

Minezo is the feeling of envy — that “I want what they have” moment. He often pops up when siblings, friends, or classmates get something shiny, fun, or special. Minezo isn’t bad; he’s a signal showing us what we value or wish for. But he can feel heavy and make children sulk, stomp, or compare themselves to others..

How can we help our Children learn about Minezo?

🤔Start With Curiosity

Try asking your child:

  • “Where do you feel Minezo in your body right now?” (Tummy? Chest? Face?)

  • “If Minezo had a colour today, what would it be?” (Green? Blue? Red?)

  • “What do you think Minezo is trying to tell us?”

🧰A Practical Minezo toolkit

Underneath the sulks, Minezo is really showing us what matters to a child. You can help by:

  • Creating an ‘I’ve got’ list: write or draw things they already have and love.

  • Gratitude jar: fill it with daily notes or doodles of small joys.

  • Celebrate Others Game: take turns saying something kind or proud about someone else.

  • Minezo’s Treasure Box: keep a box with photos, small objects, or drawings that remind your child of their own strengths, toys, and happy times.

 👇  Dr Nat’s Top Tips for parent, carers and Teachers: When Minezo is around…

   1.    Name it – “That sounds like envy. Do you wish you had what they’ve got.”

 2.    Validate it – “It’s okay to feel envy. We all do sometimes.”

🧠Remember when we are validating an emotion we can also boundary the behaviour. It is ok to feel envy it is not ok to take from others/push/grab etc. 🧠

3.    Shift the focus and grow gratitude- Ask: “What do you already have that you like?” (move the brain from comparison to gratitude. Invite your child to share 3 things they’re thankful for today. (Helps shift the brain from comparison to appreciation!)

4.     Celebrate Others in everyday life as a family – Model how to be happy for someone else without losing your own joy. This makes it easier when envy shows up to move out of comparison mindset.

 

 🧠Remember

Envy is part of being human. It’s not about “fixing” Minezo or pushing him away, it is about connection and learning.

By noticing, naming, and softening envy, you teach children that emotions are guides, not problems.

And finally a good parent, carer, or educator doesn’t get it right every time, they show children how to meet big feelings with kindness and compassion, for themselves and others 💚