Decoding Emotions: The Growing Need to Prioritize Emotional Wellness in Children

A recent incident involving a 14-year-old boy in Mumbai who tragically ended his life after being told to attend tuition instead of playing has sent shockwaves through the city. The boy, reportedly upset after a disagreement with his mother, jumped from the family’s 57-storey high-rise building. One moment of distress, a lapse in communication, and a life cut short—it’s a grim wake-up call we can’t afford to ignore.

Just a day before, I happened to attend the launch of an emotional wellbeing activity for children at KidZania Mumbai. What began as a joyful experience quickly turned into deep introspection, as I was struck by the urgent need for emotional literacy in children. That sentiment was magnified tenfold after hearing the news that night.

The Silent Storm Within: What Are Our Children Really Feeling?

Today’s children—especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha—are growing up in an age where everything is faster, louder, and more demanding. While they may appear digitally connected and more expressive online, many are internally battling overwhelming stress, anxiety, identity crises, or performance pressure.

What’s more worrying is that many of these emotional struggles go unnoticed or unacknowledged. Often dismissed as “mood swings” or “teen tantrums,” these signs can be early indicators of much deeper emotional distress.

A Personal Reflection: Parenting in the Age of Emotional Complexity

On a personal level, I often find myself struggling with my own 16-year-old son. He is brilliant in so many ways—kind-hearted, creative, intuitive. And yet, there are days when his lethargy and lack of structure leave me frustrated. As someone who thrives on discipline and perfection, I have this inner need for him to always “show up right.”

But this is where I pause and ask myself—am I really seeing him, or just my expectations of him? I know I’m not alone. Many mothers and fathers are standing at this same emotional crossroads, unsure whether to push or to pause, to discipline or to empathize.

How much is too much discipline?
When does guidance turn into pressure?
Are we truly listening, or just responding?

These are questions today’s caregivers must confront—not with fear, but with compassion and curiosity.

What Can We Do Differently?

Here are practical, sensitive steps to nurture emotional wellbeing in children:

~ Normalize Emotional Expression

Encourage children to talk about their feelings just like they talk about their day at school. Words like “sad,” “angry,” or “frustrated” shouldn’t be taboo or dismissed.

~ Make Mental Health Part of Daily Life

Just like we talk about physical health, exercise, or food, emotional check-ins should be part of daily routines. A simple “What made you happy or sad today?” can open powerful conversations.

~ Avoid Performance-Only Validation

Celebrate effort, not just outcomes. If a child thinks they are only loved when they succeed, emotional imbalance takes root early.

~ Watch for Red Flags

Sudden withdrawal, irritability, poor sleep, excessive screen time, or even perfectionism can all be signs of emotional stress. Don’t brush them off.

~ Seek Support Without Shame

Parents often feel like they have to “fix” everything on their own. Therapy and counseling aren’t signs of weakness; they’re tools for building stronger, emotionally balanced lives.

Let’s Talk About It—Together

As a society, we need to make support more accessible. Schools must have trained counselors, residential buildings can create support circles, and wellness programs must go beyond yoga and nutrition to include psychological education—for both children and adults.

Community conversations, emotional education workshops, peer support groups, and sensitizing educators can make a world of difference. The idea is simple: no child should ever feel alone in how they feel.

Emotional Intelligence — The Real Superpower Every Child Needs

Emotional intelligence is more than just a soft skill—it’s a life skill. It helps children navigate relationships, handle setbacks, communicate better, and most importantly, feel confident, secure, and happy in who they are.

Raising emotionally intelligent children isn’t a one-time conversation—it’s a continuous journey of support, guidance, and modeling the right behaviors. When we nurture a child’s ability to recognize and manage emotions, we equip them to adapt to life’s ups and downs with resilience and empathy.

With consistent emotional support and a nurturing environment, children won’t just survive—they’ll thrive. Let’s raise kids who aren’t just high achievers, but emotionally grounded human beings who understand themselves and care for others.

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