By Andrei Craciun | Project leader
Emotions are a natural part of being human and play an essential role in the way we think, behave, communicate, and build relationships. Helping children recognize what they feel and understand why they feel it is an important step toward healthy emotional development. When children learn to identify and regulate their emotions, they become more resilient and build positive relationships with others.
Our psychologist organized workshops for 77 children that combined guided discussions and creative activities around the theme: “My Emotions – I understand them, express them, and manage them in a healthy way.” Special attention was given to fear and anger, emotions children frequently experience but often find difficult to express appropriately. Together, the children practiced simple and effective self-regulation techniques such as mindful breathing, taking a pause, and calmly communicating their thoughts, feelings, and needs.
The creative part of the workshop gave each child the opportunity to paint an “emotion mask” that reflected their inner feelings and experiences. Each mask had two sides: one representing words and situations that make them feel angry, hurt, or frustrated, and another representing words and actions that make them feel loved, accepted, and happy. Some children shared painful messages they sometimes hear, such as: “You are not good enough”, “You are ugly”, “I don’t want to play with you.” On the other side of the masks, they expressed kindness, friendship, and hope through messages like: “Let’s be friends”, “You are beautiful”, “You matter.”
At the end of the session, the children presented their creations and shared the emotions they chose to illustrate. Through this experience, they practiced empathy, active listening, and self-confidence in a warm and respectful group environment. Their enthusiasm reminded us how important and meaningful these activities truly are. For many of these children, workshops like this are far more than simple activities, are safe spaces where they feel heard, accepted, supported, and encouraged to grow in healthy and positive ways.
Your support helps us continue offering these valuable opportunities. Every donation provides more children with access to educational and therapeutic activities, creative resources, and safe environments where they can learn, grow, and thrive.
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By Andrei Craciun | Project leader
By Andrei Craciun | Project leader
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