It's in their palms...Palmistry is defined as the art, or practice, of telling a person's fortune and interpreting their character from the lines and shapes on the palm of their hand. How can it be applied to children though? And what, if anything, does the practice teach us? Sam Pope and her daughter Holly tried it out. A short history of palmistryHuman beings have always had a fascination with the hands. Their influence on different societies can be seen throughout history, from the cave paintings of the stone age to palmistry in the present day. In 3,000 BC the emperor of China used his thumbprint to seal documents, while Aristotle (384-322BC) discovered a treatise on palmistry on an alter to the god Hermes. Little wonder then that Greek physicians Hypocrates and Galen (c. 130-200AD) used their knowledge of palmistry in their diagnostic work with patients. Even Julius Caesar used palmistry to judge his men, although one could argue that either his skills weren't very accurate, considering the treacherous way in which he died. Palmistry was forced underground by the powers-that-be in the Catholic church, who deemed its practice as akin to devil worshipping and had anyone who showed any interest swiftly murdered. However, as the centuries progressed, the art started to regain ground, starting with writers Paracelsus and Fludd in the 15th and 16th centuries and, later, Dr Carl Carus, physician to the king of Saxonry, who matched palms to personalities in the 19th century. More recently, medical researchers in dermatoglyphics (the study of skin patterns) have discovered a correspondence between genetic abnormalities and unusual markings on the hand; for example, research has confirmed that there is a link between certain fingerprint patterns and heart disease. Why use palmistry on children?Parents these days apparently can't get enough of books or programmes that teach them how to understand their children better or communicate with them more effectively. Arguably, we have lost confidence in our ability to parent intuitively so we turn to guides and experts to tell us how to learn more about our children. Palm reader Anne Hassett recommends palmistry as a way to learn about your child's character, skills, talents and abilities and then act upon this knowledge. "Once aware of your child's strengths and weaknesses, you should be able to help him or her capitalise on strengths and talents and minimise the effects of the less fortunate aspects of their character." Anne has worked with children for over ten years and says that many parents bring them to her when they are ten or 11 years old to help them know where to go next. Her approach, as palm reader, is very proactive, with the emphasis on equipping parents with sufficient knowledge so they can guide their child forward. "When we have a clearer understanding about our faults and failings, as well as our gifts and talents, we are in a stronger position to allow ourselves to grow. Sometimes our challenges are our greatest growth opportunities… You cannot cushion your child from life's lessons but you will be able to help her respond to challenges armed with certain skills and strengths." The opportunity to know, in advance, where your child's strengths and weaknesses lie is undeniably a very attractive prospect. Forget sending them to Kumon if you know they are going to become the next Richard Branson or Kiera Knightley instead. But isn't it a bit risky to assume you know everything about your child from what is written on their hands? And what about pushy parents who might use this information to drive their child into a certain direction? Anne admits she's worked with parents like this. "Of course there will always be parents who push their children (I think particularly of my Hong Kong Chinese clients who push their poor kids unmercifully). As far as I see it, isn't it best, if they are going to push the child, that they don't push him/her to be a lawyer just because there is a lot of money in it or because Daddy and grandfather did it, when the child is actually creative and would do far better being a graphic artist or a designer?" Other ways of understanding your childHaving an idea of where your child's potential talents and interests lie is great but there is one major way in which you can help them achieve whatever it is they want to do in life: help instil a healthy sense of self-esteem in them. "Self-esteem is built up through the constant interplay between what a child does and the reception she gets from others; especially, when she is young, from her parents," explains Tessa Livingstone, in her book Child of Our Time. Tessa goes on to recommend ways in which parents can increase this valuable commodity. "You can help increase your child's self-esteem if you attribute her failures correctly… try to avoid statements that start, 'You are…' because they tend to be followed by words like 'naughty', 'disobedient' or 'stupid', giving your child the message that that's all she is. Instead you can say, 'That was a silly thing to do' … and be specific, 'I'm cross that you broke the plate because it was my favourite.'" Interestingly, even positive generalisations can be damaging to children, as Tessa confirms, "Saying, 'You are… clever/beautiful/energetic' can backfire if your child's identity gets wrapped up in these qualities to the point where she believes she always has to be clever or beautiful or energetic, deals that are impossible to live up to." About Ann HassettAnne Hassett has been reading hands professionally for over 26 years and has worked with clients all over the world. Where to next?
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