The depression and suicide rates among children has increased 200% in the past years. One of the main reasons is the lack of emotional intelligence due to over exposure to digital electronics and absent parents. To lower the statistics, we offer a space where kids can learn to identify and channel their emotions with yoga, painting, crafts, singing and meditation. Through weekly classes for three hours, the kids are exposed to a different way of learning about emotions in a safe environment.
The new generations are growing up in difficult times. With working and/or digitally distracted parents, many are basically expected to grow up on their own or with the help of a digital device. They have become accustomed to not deal with boredom or frustration; this has alienated our children from their feelings, sense of purpose, creative play and time in nature. This ultimately results in depression, anxiety and the inability to be in touch with their emotions and express them correctly.
We have designed a weekly workshop for kids aged 4-8 (the most crutial age group where many long term mental health issues and traumas are determined) that includes yoga, meditation, painting, handcrafts and music. On Saturdays, for three and a half hours the children can connect with themselves, their feelings, creativity and nature in an open, non judgemental space. We have three to four teachers specialized in different areas, and one psychologist analizing their behavior for any red flags.
By working with children, we aim to prevent any mental health issues later on their lives as teens and adults. By having a psychologist on hand observing the kids' behavior we are able to detect at an early age any abnormalities in their behavior and reach out to their parents respectfully to inform them of the diagnosis and offer treatment. This educates the parents as well as the child regarding mental health, which is still a very little known, un talked about problem in our society.
This project has provided additional documentation in a DOCX file (projdoc.docx).