Accra: Parents and caregivers have been encouraged to create safe and supportive home environments where children can freely express their emotions without fear of judgment. Mr Ridwan Oyenuga, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SereniMind, a youth mental health platform, emphasized the importance of this initiative during a recent interview.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Oyenuga highlighted that although children experience emotions such as fear, sadness, disappointment, loneliness, stress, and anxiety, many of them lack the confidence or language to articulate their feelings. He stressed that adults have a crucial role in assisting children to navigate these emotional challenges.
"Children experience emotions just as adults do," he stated, clarifying that supporting children's emotional wellbeing is not about making them weak, but about aiding them in developing resilience and healthy coping skills. He advised parents to refrain from judging children's behavior quickly and instead try to understand the emotions behind their actions.
He noted that listening, showing empathy, and providing safe spaces for conversation can significantly impact a child's life. He further reminded parents that every child's behavior tells a story and called for a greater understanding of children's emotional experiences.
Mr Oyenuga also urged schools to play a more active role in supporting children's emotional wellbeing, noting that teachers are often the first to observe changes in pupils' behavior. He pointed out that teachers, by virtue of spending considerable time with children, are well-positioned to identify emotional challenges early on.
He advocated for schools to promote children's emotional wellbeing by creating supportive learning environments and fostering positive relationships among pupils. Anti-bullying initiatives and ensuring that pupils have trusted adults to talk to were also highlighted as important measures.
Mr Oyenuga concluded by stating that schools have a significant responsibility to support children's emotional development alongside their academic growth. He encouraged educational institutions to build environments where children feel safe, understood, and supported in their emotional journeys.