An Interview with Manly Author, Psychologist and Creative Mum
Diane Hansen
Diane Hansen is a local psychologist, children’s author and illustrator and mother of two. She came to Sydney with her children in 1977, working as a consultant at the time, in a male-dominated workplace. It was clear that children were Diane’s first priority and her work would need to fit around her children’s needs. For this reason Diane chose self-employment. She is interviewed by Janine Brown.
Janine Brown: Tell us a bit about yourself.
Diane Hansen: I’ve spent most of my career in the corporate world as a management and leadership consultant helping companies to maximise their performance of their systems and people. I believe that creative expression comes in many forms, including work. When people are using all their natural talents and abilities, they work with passion and are happier, motivated and more fulfilled. Truly loving the work you do comes out of a desire to express all of who you are through the work you do. This is as true for an artist as it is for an accountant.
J B: I have read that you promote the importance of positive self-image in children. Would this be an accurate description of what you are about?
D H: My aim is to inspire people of all ages and cultures to be the very best they can be and to live to their highest potential. More than anything, I want my expressive work to be a celebration of the uniquely creative spirit alive in every human being.
J B: How do you balance and juggle career and raising children?
D H: I came to Sydney in 1997 as a single working parent. I was recruited to come to work here as a consultant and I arrived with my children who were aged 10 and 8. Because I was a consultant, the company wouldn’t help with any of the relocation. Things eventually fell in to place, but the children had to come to work with me until I found a school for them. I was working in a male dominated work place so it raised a few eyebrows when I made it clear to everyone that the children were my first priority and my work would have to fit around their needs. I eventually chose self employment because it gave me maximum flexibility for raising a family.
J B: What motivated you to write for children?
D H: My parents instilled in me a great love of books and I’ve always had a passion for children’s literature and a dream to be an author. 'Stand Tall' was inspired by my son’s courage through many years of bullying. He refused to retaliate against the bullies or become a victim. He told me once, ‘I could be like them, mum, but why should I? It’s not who I am.’ I was encouraged to write stand tall because of his courage, inner strength and self belief despite some pretty horrendous circumstances.
J B: Any advice for mums on how they can encourage their child to express their unique self.
D H: I think parents must spend a great deal of time looking and listening deeply and observing and coaching , and really seeing what their children are about, rather than just directing them. By encouraging from a place of observation, you help your child grow more of what’s already inside instead of adapting a version of themselves that will please others. When children feel seen they feel safe to express their unique self; they think good thoughts about themselves and develop positive self esteem and confidence.
J B: You have a second book recently released?
D H: It’s called ‘The Stand Tall Creative Companion: A Practical Guide For Growing Compassionate Children.’ It is for parents and educators and is designed to provide a range of fun activities to facilitate positive growth and self esteem. It has lessons and life skills such as Compassion, Respect, Individuality, Creativity, Diversity, Tolerance and much more. When I wrote 'Stand Tall: Growing the Courage to be Uniquely You', people immediately asked me if there were teaching materials to go with it. The Creative Companion grew from there.
J B: Let’s talk about how you view motherhood and the importance of being a mum and passing on so many important life lessons to our children.
D H: Motherhood is the single most important job on the planet. For me a mother’s primary role is to be her child’s first teacher. From the moment they are born, children are learning about the world around them and their place in it, by watching us. I think the most important thing a parent can do is listen and concentrate on seeing their child as they really are and not what they wish them to be. When you understand the unique qualities each child is born with, you are in a better position to guide and direct them toward fulfilling their highest potential.
J B: Finally your thoughts on the beautiful area we live and are raising our children in.
D H: The Manly area is such an ideal place to raise a family. The beaches, the bush walks, the accessibility to public transport and a stroll away from shopping, local arts and cafes. The city is so close when you need to get there yet a world away when you want to escape. Manly is safe, clean and friendly and there’s no where I’d rather be. I’m a huge fan. It was such an honour to receive our Citizenship at the Manly Council Chambers. We walked out onto the esplanade and looked out over Little Manly Beach and felt we really belonged here.
