Urjasvini Special School Hosts Session on Emotional Homework for Children​

In a bid to promote emotional well-being among children during the summer break, Create Stories NGO organized an enlightening session at Urjasvini Special School. The session, led by renowned Child & Clinical Psychologist Dr. Vini Jhariya, focused on the concept of 'Emotional Homework'—a vital aspect often overlooked during the academic hiatus.​

Understanding Emotional Homework

Dr. Jhariya highlighted that summer vacations, while a time for relaxation, can also bring about emotional challenges for children. Without the structure of school and regular peer interactions, many children experience feelings of restlessness or confusion. She emphasized the importance of addressing these emotions before diving into academic tasks.​

"Before we assign summer homework, we must focus on emotional homework," Dr. Jhariya stated. "It's about building the inner world of a child—understanding their emotions, expressing feelings clearly, handling boredom without frustration, developing empathy, and building resilience."​

Practical Tips for Parents

To assist parents in nurturing their children's emotional growth, Dr. Jhariya provided several actionable strategies:​

1. Daily Emotional Check-ins: Engage in conversations that go beyond surface-level questions. Ask, "What made you smile today?" or "Was there anything that confused or upset you?" to foster deeper emotional connections.​

2. Create a Calm Corner at Home: Designate a quiet space with drawing materials, soft toys, or calming music where children can retreat when feeling overwhelmed.​

3. Use Stories and Movies as Tools: After reading a story or watching a movie, discuss the characters' emotions to enhance empathy and understanding.​

4. Praise Effort, Not Just Outcome: Acknowledge the process by saying, "I saw how hard you tried—that really matters," to build confidence and a sense of inner value.​

5. Embrace Boredom: Allowing children to experience boredom can lead to creativity and problem-solving, essential components of emotional development.