The importance of expressing yourself cannot be emphasized enough. As parents, it is essential to not dismiss our children’s feelings and instead give them support to understand and evaluate their emotions better. Children experience feelings just as we adults do; the only difference is they’re not able to identify their emotions or process them as clearly as we do. It would make a world of a difference to children if they were taught to identify and simplify the whole process of understanding their emotions.

As parents and guardians of our children, starting as early as 18 months can be quite helpful in teaching them to verbalize their feelings. Instances when a child is unable to understand something can be an overwhelming and frustrating experience. Helping to understand why they are feeling the way they are can help children regain their calm demeanor.

In the present scenario, with the constant peer pressure, negative influence from the media, and the number of distractive media present around us, it is very difficult for kids to be themselves. They feel they are constantly under scrutiny and need to conform in order to fit in.

These unhealthy patterns, when continued for long enough, can lead to

• - Low self-esteem
• - Depression
• - Unhappiness

Children who do not express themselves can turn out to be people-pleasers instead and become unhappy about their lives for not being able to reach their unique potential. And so, teaching them early is the key to ensuring that they grow up to be well-balanced individuals.

Here’s what you can do help your kids to express themselves:

1)Help children express themselves through art:

Artistic expression in the form of music, dance, theater, sculpture, and martial arts can all help kids overcome their negative emotions and express everything that they might have been bottling inside of them. Practicing any form of art that truly interests and inspires them can serve as a healthy way to express sadness, happiness, anger, or excitement.

2)Encourage kids to explore their own style:

Not only will this help them develop their individuality, but it will also help them hone their creativity and make it an important part of their identity. Experimenting with their clothes is a good way to start this practice and let them think independently. You can also encourage them to find their own style by allowing them to pack their own backpack or arrange their wardrobe.

3)Let them follow their interests:

Instead of picking things up for your kids, let them direct you how they like certain activities based on their interests. Be it their interest in robotics, poetry, chess, lego, sports, or anything under the sun. Hear them out and help them explore their interests by telling them about the opportunities that may lie ahead of them. As a parent or a teacher, it’s your responsibility to show them what inspires them in the fields that interest them.

4)Give them choices:

Child emotional support is a lifelong process that parents need to sincerely commit to in order for them to sail through. Activities like letting children pick their own books to read, or giving kids the freedom to decide the weekend family activity or decorate their own room can be a great way for healthy self-expression.

Thakur School of Global Education offers Cambridge Primary School program that encourages kids to be independent and self-confident problem solvers. With a balanced approach to academics and extra-curricular activities, TSGE in Kandivali ensures that children feel supported and cared for throughout their schooling years.