Master the art of raising emotionally strong kids

Art captures the hidden dreams, stories, desires and current emotional circumstances in one's life and has a therapeutic and detoxifying effect.

From the moment a mother conceives, it is the physical wellbeing of the child that is the given the highest priority. But how often do we sit back and think that developing emotional well-being in children is as important as healthy eating and exercising?
"Raising an emotionally healthy child means raising a happy and confident child. He or she is caring, has deep attentive listening skills and is sensitive to the needs and feelings of others. A child with emotional intelligence is not hesitant to seek help in times of difficulties," said Priya Arjun, a holistic wellness coach.
Art captures the hidden dreams, stories, desires and current emotional circumstances in one's life and has a therapeutic and detoxifying effect.
"It can be a great intervention in the school environment for improving emotional and social outcomes in children. It can prepare them to cope up with the changes and challenges in later years of life with emotional resilience and emotional balance," Arjun said. "Children are naturally creative and it is easier for them to pour out their thoughts - conscious and unconscious. The do this by converting them into paintings or drawings they create in the form of symbols, colours images and texture."
The art therapist helps the child decipher the meaning of the picture and discuss the underlying issues that inspired the artwork. This provides the opening for the therapist to get at the heart of the problem affecting the child.
"A child who is reluctant, scary or shy or with limited vocabulary may not be able to express himself properly in standard counselling or clinical settings but he might find art as a creative and safe medium to communicate his emotions and experiences non-verbally."
Sheela Menon, principal, Ambassador School, Dubai said: "Art therapy can be excellent tool of communication for some children to express their suppressed emotion. The non-threatening and creative process can be a good liberation of stress".
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