Understanding children’s emotions

Emotional awareness helps students manage stress and make better decisions

Mental health begins with understanding emotions. Students often experience stress, excitement, fear, and pressuresimultaneously, especially during exams, competitions, or social situations. Recognizing what you feel—and why—is the first step toward emotional balance. Instead of ignoring emotions, try to name them: “I feel anxious,” “I feel overwhelmed,” or “I feel happy.” This simple practice increases emotional awareness and helps the brain respond calmly rather than react impulsively.

Keeping a short daily reflection journal can help. Write down one situation that affected you emotionally and how you responded. Over time, you will notice patterns—what triggers stress, what motivates you, and what improves your mood. Once you understand these patterns, managing emotions becomes easier. Another important skill is accepting emotions without judging yourself. Feeling nervous before a test does not mean weakness; it simply shows that the result matters to you. Accepting emotions reduces inner conflict and allows you to focus on solutions rather than self-criticism.

Students should also practice emotional pauses. When you feel angry or stressed, take three slow breaths before speaking or reacting. This pause helps the thinking part of the brain regain control and prevents unnecessary conflicts or regretful decisions. Understanding emotions is not about eliminating negative feelings; it is about learning how to handle them. Over time, emotional awareness builds resilience, improves relationships, and strengthens decision-making abilities.

Tips:

• Name your emotions at least once daily.

• Maintain a short reflection journal.

• Practice the three-breath pause before reacting.