Many children have a difficult time expressing the emotions that they are feeling, and they are often insecure about what they are experiencing. When children are unable to properly explain what is going in their head, they often retreat or act out. As an adult, parent, teacher, or role model, you have the ability to help students build the foundation of their mental wellbeing. Between the use of colors, pictures, and words, students are able to slowly unravel the tangled nature of their thoughts. If you are skilled at using analogies that are both relatable and captivating for kids, consider creating a children’s book that can be used by kids in generations to come. In this article, we will share the reasons why children often benefit from expressing their emotions through writing.
1. Writing Helps Slow Down Racing Thoughts
For certain brains, it may be difficult to reign in thoughts, especially if they come rushing in at a fast pace. Before you know it, the brain is overloaded with negative, positive, and confusing ideas. When students are able to put pencil to paper, it helps them sort out the various ideas that are swirling around in their mind. The action of putting pen to paper often is able to put the brakes on a waterfall of emotions. When kids are able to begin writing down whatever is on their mind, they feel a sense of peace and relief.
2. It Helps Expose Complicated Memories
When students are undergoing a challenging situation, they subconsciously block some of the negativity associated with the given situation. Although some of this blockage is a protective measure of instinct, it can sometimes be harmful to children. If kids have experienced trauma or abuse, this processing of thoughts can help them bring their pain to the attention of others. If they are in danger or need more intensive forms of therapy, writing can help expose this need.
3. Writing Is a Healthy Expression of Creativity
Whether it is obvious or not, all students have at least a sliver of creative energy. When you develop creativity, children often experience growth in a variety of ways. By expanding creativity, students engage the portion of their brain that is often underutilized. This activation allows them to open doors to new interests and explore interests that they didn’t know they had. By writing, students have the opportunity to dream about things that they may be scared to say out loud.
4. Writing Helps Enact Courage
As children process their emotions on paper, they are often able to declutter the thoughts and feelings that they are experiencing. In addition, this process helps kids to better articulate their emotions. As they match words with feelings, kids will feel more confident to correctly address the things that they are experiencing. The courage and confidence to speak with authority helps kids take the next step in their journey to emotional health.
5. Illustrating Is Helpful, Too
If a student struggles with literature and is not as strong with words, encourage them to draw. Similar to writing, drawing activates lesser used portions of the brain. Even by simply drawing a picture, you can often notice the conflicting emotions that a child is experiencing. Gloom, fear, insecurity, excitement, and hope are often emotions that are easily leaked onto paper. Encourage kids to draw using different tools such as pencils, crayons, paints, and markers. These measures add texture and life to the design.
6. Growth and Development of Lifelong Skills
Communication and conversation are lifelong skills that every individual must utilize. Even if your future career requires little communication skills, it takes social awareness to interview well, make friends, and deal with customer service representatives. By articulating thoughts at a young age, kids will be better equipped to piece together words that can be used to effectively drive home a point. This practice is beneficial to general social skills. If your student is shy, writing can help them muster up the confidence to mingle with other kids. In addition, this exercise will give them the skills they need to be honest, be persuasive, and be clear when communicating with others. In some cases, it may be beneficial to encourage your child to read their writing assignments out loud to themselves. Even if they want to keep the contact of their work private, reading out loud helps build confidence in verbal communication.
Summary
Writing is a pastime that is beneficial for both children and adults. This activity helps exercise both sides of the brain in a meaningful way. On one hand, this practice is logical and concise, allowing you to access your mental dictionary. On the other hand, this skill requires creativity, articulation, and savviness. For students, writing is a building block for many fundamental parts of life. This exercise allows kids to process through difficult emotions and untangle thoughts that are confusing to them. In addition, it allows them to develop communication skills that are necessary if they want to have a high quality of life. The better we understand ourselves, the better equipped we are to show compassion and kindness to others.
