🎯 Creating Safe Spaces for Young People’s Mental Health

How do we help every child and teenager feel safe, heard, and supported – not just in classrooms, but in entire communities?

At the EMBRACE Future Children’s Forum (17-18 October, Bucharest), children, teenagers, educators, and policymakers joined forces to explore practical ways to improve youth mental health.

The message was clear: lasting change begins with safe spaces and a culture of care.

What we learned from the discussions:
• Safe Spaces → Create environments where children and teens can share emotions without fear or judgment.
• Community Care Networks → Connect schools, families, NGOs & health professionals to ensure no child is left behind.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration → Encourage teamwork between teachers, psychologists, and policymakers to address bullying, poverty, and stress holistically.

🌱 Young people’s ideas for building a “culture of care”:
• A weekly day for relaxation & team-building activities
• A Ministry of Education advisor to facilitate student-minister dialogue
• More school psychologists & counselors through school-NGO collaborations
• Peer counseling by trained students in dedicated school well-being spaces

These proposals remind us that mental health is more than the absence of illness; it’s the presence of wellbeing, empathy, and connection.

“The Forum was a magical experience, full of light and energy! It was about learning, but most of all about connection. Every moment spent here was an opportunity to grow and to share an extraordinary experience. I met many amazing, energetic people and felt part of a strong team. Communication flowed naturally, and I learned so much.

I’m so happy I was part of it! I’m leaving more inspired, braver, and deeply grateful to the organisers. It’s an event I would gladly attend again anytime!” 😊✨

– A young participant’s heartfelt message from the Forum

Disclaimer: The images and videos accompanying this post have been created and are used in compliance with the legal provisions on the protection of personal data and the right to one’s own image, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and the relevant national legislation. The publication of photographs featuring minors has been carried out exclusively on the basis of the express, free, and informed consent of their parents or legal representatives. The images are used exclusively for the purpose of promoting the activities carried out within the Embrace project and are not used in other contexts or for commercial purposes. The reproduction, distribution, transmission, or use in any form of these images by third parties is strictly prohibited without the prior, express, and written consent of the rights holders.

Echoes of the EMBRACE Children and Youth Forum

Embrace-A3-Poster-Children-Event-Screen_v2_EN

From 17-18 October 2025, over 130 children and young people from Iași, Bârlad, Bacău, Brașov, Petroșani, and Bucharest came together in Bucharest for the EMBRACE Children & Youth Forum to address one of the most pressing challenges of our time: youth mental health.

The Forum put the spotlight on the mental health challenges faced by young people in Romania, featuring speakers from government, policymakers, public authorities, NGOs, experts, and children, including:

• Prof. Daniel David, PhD, Psychologist, Minister – Ministry of Education and Research
• Diana Alupei, Representative of the EMBRACE Children and Youth Network
• Roman Zhukovskyi, Senior Social Protection Economist, Lead on Social Protection in Romania – World Bank Romania
• Alexandru-Ionuț Leuțu Cotroceanu, Director, Chief Police Commissioner – School Safety Directorate, IGPR
• Dr. Constantin-Edmond Cracsner, President of the College of Psychologists of Romania
• Diana Cristea, President – Bethany Social Services Foundation & President of the College of Social Workers of Romania
• Prof. Carmen Orban, Chair of the Subcommittee on Population and Development – Health Commission, Romanian Senate
• Bogdan Simion, President of the Federation of Non-Governmental Organizations for Children – FONPC

The Forum was moderated by journalist Mihai Rădulescu and student Ștefania Rusu.

Discussions highlighted the importance of creating safe spaces and developing community care networks to support children’s mental health, with special attention to vulnerable children in rural areas. The Forum emphasized the need for interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals, families, and communities to address issues such as bullying and poverty, while promoting tools and resources for teachers, parents, and policymakers to improve children’s mental wellbeing.

💬 “Mental health is just as important as physical health – when we are sad or feel lonely, we need people who listen, understand, and encourage us, not just good grades. If we learn from an early age to care for our thoughts and emotions, we will grow stronger, braver, and able to build a better world for all children.” – Diana Alupei, EMBRACE Children and Youth Representative

The meeting focused on the mental health challenges faced by young people and adolescents in Romania, with Bogdan Simion highlighting that one in two young people suffers from depression or anxiety, and over 60% do not seek professional help.

The Forum included two panel discussions between children and guests:

• Maya Tomescu, Children and Youth Government FONPC – Emilian Opria, student reporter
• Dr. Stela Firu, Secretary of State – Ministry of Health – Denisa Budurache, student reporter
• Alexandru-Mihai Ghigiu, Commission for Education, Science, and Innovation – Claudiu Iulian Afloare, student reporter
• Viorel Roman, Executive Director – Aliat Association for Mental Health, Psychologist and Psychotherapist at Aliat Clinic, Bucharest – Denisa Budurache, student reporter
• Elena Tudor, Director – National Authority for the Rights of the Child and Adoption (ANPDCA) – Adelina Romaneț, student reporter
• Cătălin Condrea, Director – Moldova High School, Târgu Frumos – Fabiana Năstasă, student reporter
• Diana Stoica, Deputy, Chair of the European Affairs Commission – Claudiu Iulian Afloare, student reporter

The child reporters asked questions prepared by over 60 children during pre-event workshops. Discussions emphasized the need for coordinated state intervention and stronger support systems, including family, school, and healthcare services, to address these challenges. Participants also highlighted the importance of listening to young people and involving them in shaping an ideal society and school environment.

The event also addressed the need to break intergenerational cycles of trauma, promote children’s mental health within families and schools, integrate health education in schools, and reduce stigma around mental health issues. Discussions called for increased awareness among teachers, students, and parents and for bringing mental health topics into public discourse. Participants stressed the importance of authenticity, courage, and open communication when addressing young people’s emotions, highlighting the crucial role of teachers and parents in recognizing signs of emotional distress.

The Forum emphasized understanding mental health as a state of wellbeing, not merely the absence of mental disorders, and educating young people and professionals to promote a “culture of care.”

Innovative ideas proposed by children and youth included:

• A weekly day off dedicated to relaxation and team-building activities
• A Minister of Education advisor to facilitate direct communication between students and the Minister
• Addressing the lack of school psychologists and counselors through school-NGO collaborations
• Peer counseling by trained students with dedicated mental health spaces in schools

Top fears of children and young people:

• Not having anyone to talk to when they feel unwell
• Not being heard or understood by others
• Feeling inadequate or not good enough
• Difficulty building positive relationships with teachers
• Failing exams
• Experiencing bullying without support from peers
• Being isolated or rejected for sharing their feelings
• Not being accepted by friends or judged for who they are
• Difficulty coping with change or new challenges
• Feeling that their emotions are not valid or important

The second day of the Forum focused on mental health programs funded by European initiatives, the importance of support from policymakers, and the impact of social media on children’s mental health. Guest speakers included:

• Dragoș Pîslaru, Minister of Investments and European Projects
• Corina Atanasiu, Member of Parliament, Committee for Education & Committee for Gender Equality
• Nicoleta Călugăreanu, Psychologist and TV presenter

Children participated in workshops, discussing positive and negative effects of social media on cognitive, emotional, and social development, and daily routines. The Ministry of Investments and European Projects supported funding allocations for mental health programs as requested by line ministries. The workshops also addressed school scholarships, the need to improve anti-bullying legislation, and supporting parents in helping children with mental health issues.

Children proved to be agents of change, proposing creative solutions to combat aggression, promote collaboration, and build self-esteem. They moderated three child-focused workshops, addressing key topics and creating concrete action plans:

1️⃣ “Don’t Just Tell Me It Will Be Okay” – Emotions, anxiety, stress management (Moderator: Roberta David; Reporter: Fabiana Năstasă)

2️⃣ “My Voice in School” – School stress, bullying, real counseling (Moderator: Diana Alupei; Reporter: Nica Maia Ștefania)

3️⃣“From Idea to Action” – Building concrete solutions and action plans (Moderator: Ștefania Vornicu; Reporter: Carina Gheorghe)

Discussions addressed sensitive topics such as bullying, stress, and social pressure, while highlighting the need for support programs adapted to children and adolescents, where they are heard and encouraged to express themselves freely. Participants noted the lack of unity and peer support, which can be fostered with adult guidance through programs and group activities. The importance of support from teachers, parents, and friends in overcoming challenges was emphasized, along with gratitude and personal connections as tools to improve wellbeing.

Achievements:

1. Real Dialogue with Decision-Makers – Young people asked tough questions directly to ministers, MPs, and mental health experts.
2. Actionable Solutions – From school stress to bullying, participants co-designed proposals for better access to counseling and safe spaces in schools.
3. Creative Advocacy – Through art, storytelling, and social media workshops, children and teenagers expressed what mental well-being means to them.

Why it matters:

• For young people: give them a safe platform to be heard and shape solutions that impact their daily lives.
• For educators & policymakers: provided concrete insights from youth to guide future mental health policies and support services.
• For communities: is a reminder that resilience starts with listening to the voices of the next generation.

Parents, educators, policymakers, and children are invited to participate in the EMBRACE Children and Youth Forum in Romania.

The Forum demonstrated that when children are given the stage, they do not only share their concerns – they bring clear, practical, and hopeful ideas for change.

Now it’s time to turn these proposals into action. Will you join us in amplifying their voices?

The Romanian partners Fundatia Serviciilor Sociale Bethany (FSSB), Fundatia de Sprijin Comunitar (FSC), Asociatia “Bună Ziua, Copii din România”` (BZRO), and Federatia Organizatiilor Neguvernamentale pentru Copil (FONPC), as well as our Spanish partner Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL (EAC) were present at the Forum, and contributed their expertise and sharing experiences from the field.

The Forum featured our EMBRACE characters, connecting with children of all ages:

• Primary School: EMBRACE Squad
• Middle School: Maya, Maya+, Leo, Leo+
• High School: Ana, Ana+, Alex, Alex+

Event Details:

• Date: First 17-18 of October 2025
• Location: Palace of Parliament and Sheraton Hotel – Bucharest, Romania
• Format: Interactive sessions
• Information: https://embrace-future.eu/participation-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/ 
• Brochure: EN – Download, RO – Download

For more information and updates, visit the EMBRACE Website!

Contact:

EMBRACE Project Coordination Team

Email: info@embrace-future.eu

Disclaimer: The images accompanying this post have been created and are used in compliance with the legal provisions on the protection of personal data and the right to one’s own image, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and the relevant national legislation. The publication of photographs featuring minors has been carried out exclusively on the basis of the express, free, and informed consent of their parents or legal representatives. The images are used exclusively for the purpose of promoting the activities carried out within the Embrace project and are not used in other contexts or for commercial purposes. The reproduction, distribution, transmission, or use in any form of these images by third parties is strictly prohibited without the prior, express, and written consent of the rights holders.

✨ First Reflections on the EMBRACE Future Children’s Forum in Bucharest 🇷🇴

This week, we reflect on our impactful and life-changing experiences at the Children’s Forum in Bucharest from 17-18 October

The Children’s Forum was more than an event – it was a space where voices were heard, experiences were shared, and solutions were imagined. 

Children, teenagers, policymakers, educators, and experts stood side by side, shining a light on what truly matters: creating a Romania where every young person feels safe, supported, and understood.

Kids and teenagers shared their thoughts on what would help them live happier lives:

• Having someone they can trust and talk to when they feel unwell.
• Feeling heard and understood by adults and peers.
• Building a sense of self-worth and confidence in their abilities.
• Developing positive and respectful relationships with teachers.
• Receiving support during exams and academic challenges.
• Experiencing safe, inclusive environments free from bullying.
• Freedom to express feelings without fear of rejection.
• Being accepted for who they are by friends and peers.
• Learning resilience and coping skills to navigate change and new challenges.
• Having their emotions recognized as valid and important.

Our EMBRACE CERV PROJECT partners Fundatia Serviciilor Sociale Bethany (FSSB), Fundatia de Sprijin Comunitar (FSC), Asociatia “Bună Ziua, Copii din România”` (BZRO), Federatia Organizatiilor Neguvernamentale pentru Copil (FONPC), and Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL (EAC) take what they learned with them to support the mental health of kids and teenagers.

“It’s an honor to be with EMBRACE at the Romanian Parliament and to see the progress in the educational system for the benefit of future generations. Our mission is to embrace mental health early on in life, and to provide a path of understanding.”

– Nektar Baziotis (CTO at Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL (EAC))

Disclaimer: The images and videos accompanying this post have been created and are used in compliance with the legal provisions on the protection of personal data and the right to one’s own image, in accordance with the provisions of Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (GDPR) and the relevant national legislation. The publication of photographs featuring minors has been carried out exclusively on the basis of the express, free, and informed consent of their parents or legal representatives. The images are used exclusively for the purpose of promoting the activities carried out within the Embrace project and are not used in other contexts or for commercial purposes. The reproduction, distribution, transmission, or use in any form of these images by third parties is strictly prohibited without the prior, express, and written consent of the rights holders.

🎨 Feelings Have Layers: Exploring the Plutchik Wheel of Emotions

How do we make emotions easier to understand – for children, teens, and adults?

In the EMBRACE Future project, we use Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions, a model that helps visualize how feelings connect, blend, and change in intensity.

Developed by psychologist Robert Plutchik, the wheel shows 8 core emotions, grouped in opposite pairs:
• Joy ↔ Sadness
• Fear ↔ Anger
• Anticipation ↔ Surprise
• Trust ↔ Disgust

Each emotion can vary in strength (serenity → joy → ecstasy) and even combine to create new feelings – for example, joy + trust = love (Source).

💡 How EMBRACE Uses the Wheel

In Module 3, children and teenagers explore the wheel through fun, age-appropriate activities:
• Elementary students guess emotions in games with EMBRACE characters.

• Middle and high school learners discuss how different feelings interact and how to manage them.

And in our public campaign #KnowEmotions, we dive deeper into the 8 core emotions:
⇒ Week 1 – Learn about the emotion.
⇒ Week 2 – Tips for parents and caregivers.
⇒ Week 3 – A quiz or story to bring it to life.

By exploring Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, Anticipation, Surprise, Disgust, and Trust, children learn that every emotion matters and that understanding them builds empathy, resilience, and emotional balance.

Learn more: https://embrace-future.eu

🎲 Feelings in Action: The EMBRACE Story Game

The EMBRACE Future project continues with Module 3, designed to help children and teenagers (ages 6-18) recognize, understand, and express emotions in healthy ways. Each age group, elementary, middle, and high school, learns through age-appropriate stories and activities.

This week, we’re focusing on elementary school students (ages 6-10) with a heartwarming classroom activity: “Feelings in Action: The EMBRACE Story Game.”

💬In this exercise, the EMBRACE characters – Sparky, Nutty, Wise, Dusty, Flutter, and Bytu – come to life in short stories that teach empathy and emotional reflection.

In one story, Dusty accidentally spills tea on Wise’s favorite book. Wise calls him to talk, and Dusty gathers the courage to say, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to.” Together, they show that honesty, forgiveness, and friendship can turn mistakes into learning moments.

Through guided questions like “How do you think Dusty felt?” or “What do you think will happen next?”, children learn to:
⇒ Recognize emotions in themselves and others
⇒ Express feelings through storytelling
⇒ Build empathy, communication, and emotional awareness

Learn more about EMBRACE: https://embrace-future.eu/

Children Forum on October 17-18 2025 is just around the corner!

The EMBRACE Future partners look forward to four exciting workshops on 17-18 of October in Bucharest, Romania! 

The purpose of the Forum is to give children and young people the opportunity to make their voices heard, highlight the real challenges they face, and propose concrete solutions to policymakers, experts, and representatives of civil society.

This year marks the 13th edition of the Forum, with the central theme focused on improving the mental health of children and young people – an essential topic for the emotional well-being and balanced development of the next generation.

In this context, the Children and Youth Forum 2025 will be an open, participatory, and energetic space, where over 150 young people and children from Iași, Bacău, Vaslui, Petroșani, Brașov, and Bucharest will be directly involved in the development of the EMBRACE education program, alongside decision-makers, policymakers, public authorities, professionals, and non-governmental organizations. 

Participants will have the chance to share their ideas, express their opinions, and propose solutions to support the mental health of children and young people in Romania.

During the event, participants will take part in workshops, discussions, working sessions, and meetings with representatives of authorities, allowing them to actively contribute to ideas and initiatives that can influence public policies and ensure that young voices are heard.

The Forum will follow a participatory and interactive model, where children and young people will be able to share their opinions, join co-creation workshops, and interact directly with decision-makers. Additionally, emphasis will be placed on advocacy activities and the development of concrete proposals that can help shape more effective public policies to support the mental health of young people in Romania.

Looking forward to this opportunity to engage with young learners and support their mental and emotional growth!

Learn more: https://embrace-future.eu/

Our teams from Federatia Organizatiilor Neguvernamentale pentru Copil (FONPC), Fundatia Serviciilor Sociale Bethany (FSSB), Fundatia de Sprijin Comunitar (FSC), and Asociatia “Bună Ziua, Copii din România”` (BZRO) look forward to meeting everyone there!

With multimedia material from sunny Barcelona, Spain by Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL!

More information: https://embrace-future.eu/participation-is-a-right-not-a-privilege/

World Mental Health Day – The EMBRACE Future Project Team Raises Awareness of Children’s Psychological and Emotional Well-Being

On October 10, 2025, the EMBRACE team joins the global community to mark World Mental Health Day with a powerful message: mental health matters for everyone.

Mental health is the inner balance that allows us to understand our emotions, manage stress, adapt to change, and build healthy relationships with others.

Every day, three adolescents in Europe lose their lives due to mental health issues, and half of all mental disorders appear before the age of 15 (UNICEF).

Romania ranks among the last EU member states in terms of children’s well-being and quality of life. The gaps are visible and painful, especially for children and young people from vulnerable backgrounds who face deep social difficulties. Lack of resources, family instability, and limited access to support services contribute to emotional imbalances and poor mental health. In fact, 33% of children aged 11 to 15 report feeling sad more than once a week, compared to an average of 13% across 45 countries in a WHO study (WHO “The State of World’s Children”). Without true emotional support in schools and communities, we risk losing entire generations who, above all, need to be heard and understood.

In Romania, many children struggle with mental health disorders: behavioral issues, anxiety, depression, or autism spectrum conditions affect their daily lives. Alarmingly, more than 40% of newly diagnosed children with autism live in rural areas with no access to therapy or specialized support. These children often remain unheard and misunderstood, even though their need for help is urgent and real.

Given the considerable time children spend in schools, they should be the place where they feel safe, supported, and motivated to learn. The reality, however, is different: about 1 in 4 middle school students face emotional problems – fatigue, anxiety, sadness – that affect their daily lives. These symptoms reflect ongoing difficulties in managing emotions in Romanian schools, which lack a coherent framework for supporting mental health. Resources are limited and unevenly distributed, existing initiatives are isolated, and there is no integrated national program. School counselors, though present in most schools, are too few in number compared to actual needs, have low visibility, and are rarely seen by students as a real source of support (UNICEF). As a result, many children are left alone with their emotions, without the help they desperately need.

At present, Romania does not have an updated national strategy for children’s mental health – the last one covered 2016–2020. This gap leaves the field underdeveloped in schools, fragmented, and inconsistent, with huge consequences for today’s and tomorrow’s youth.

Children’s and adolescents’ mental health is not just a concept – it is the foundation on which they build confidence, courage, and their future. When we offer them support, listening, and an environment that respects their emotions, we help them grow stronger and more resilient in facing life’s challenges. Investing in their well-being means giving them the chance at a happy childhood, access to education, and a life full of opportunities—because every child deserves to be heard and understood.

To mark #WorldMentalHealthDay, the EMBRACE project team highlights the importance of emotional well-being through key messages for professionals working with children and youth, as well as resources designed to educate and inspire. Maya and Leo, the beloved EMBRACE characters, reflect what many young people feel: the weight of overload and pressure. By taking a step back, grounding themselves, and reconnecting with one another, they discover how simple actions can transform stress into strength. The video encourages young people to recognize their emotions and to seek support when needed: .

This global day is part of the wider “#KnowEmotions” campaign, running from October 2025 to April 2026 within the EMBRACE project. The campaign’s main goal is to promote emotional literacy and build resilience among children and youth. Professionals are invited to explore the campaign’s key messages in “EMBRACE – World Mental Health Day”, which emphasize emotional well-being, the power of authentic dialogue and active listening, and an open call to join the #KnowEmotions movement.

EMBRACE is a European initiative dedicated to promoting children’s mental health through education, awareness, and innovative tools for teachers, parents, and policymakers. The project addresses mental health challenges faced by vulnerable children in disadvantaged rural areas and small towns in northeastern Romania, through an intervention model already piloted in 10 schools. In the project, 500 children take part in EMBRACE workshops over nine months, accessing resources, including digital tools, that will be promoted nationally and across Europe to support children’s mental health. The program is built around five modules:

1. My physical health and safety – the foundation of well-being
2. Cognitive well-being
3. I’m okay with my emotions
4. Spiritual well-being – values and beliefs
5. Social well-being

The project supports not only children but also parents and teachers, creating a model of intervention that can transform schools into safe, supportive spaces for the emotional health of all children.

The public is encouraged to follow EMBRACE activities online and help spread the message of World Mental Health Day 2025.

Follow EMBRACE on LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X | YouTube

The project builds on local expertise through a consortium of experienced partners – Fundatia Serviciilor Sociale Bethany (FSSB), Fundatia de Sprijin Comunitar (FSC), Asociatia “Bună Ziua, Copii din România”` (BZRO) – three local organizations specialized in child protection, social, and educational services, Federatia Organizatiilor Neguvernamentale pentru Copil (FONPC) – a federation specialized in advocacy and children’s rights Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL (EAC) – the transnational partner with extensive expertise in innovative communication.

All of this is supported by local authorities, schools, and social and educational professionals at local, regional, and national levels.

🎒 Alex & Ana Under Pressure – Finding Healthy Ways to Cope with Stress

This October, the EMBRACE Future project is teaching Module 3 in schools, which supports children and teenagers (ages 6-18) in building emotional awareness and resilience. Each age group, elementary, middle, and high school, has tailored activities and videos.

This week we focus on high school students (ages 14-18) with the new video “Alex & Ana Under Pressure.”

School, parents, sports, expectations… sometimes it feels like too much. Alex and Ana both carry heavy pressure, from grades, competitions, and family demands. But together, they learn that even when life feels overwhelming, there are healthy ways to cope.

🎥 In this short video, high schoolers will discover:
  • How stress and pressure can feel like “static” in the mind
  • Why it helps to find an anchor ~ like breathing or writing
  • How expressing emotions can make them easier to manage
  • That everyone feels pressure, and nobody has to handle it alone
  • The value of friendship and making a “survival pact” to support each other

Watch the videos:
EN: https://youtu.be/KErpHoQDEog

RO: https://youtu.be/8pmdOgOZxg8

Learn more: https://embrace-future.eu/

🎯 Maya & Leo: The Why Behind the Doubt – Finding Confidence Through Purpose

The EMBRACE Future project continues with Module 3, designed to help children and teenagers (ages 6-18) explore emotional awareness and resilience. Each age group, elementary, middle, and high school, learns from tailored activities and videos.

This week we focus on middle school (ages 10-14) with a new video: “The Why Behind the Doubt”.

Maya’s stuck. A blank page. A loud inner critic. Self-doubt whispers that she’s not good enough. But when Leo shares his own struggles with pressure and perfectionism, something shifts. Together, they realize that reconnecting with your “why” can help quiet the noise of doubt.

In this short video, middle schoolers will explore:
⇒ What the inner critic sounds like and why it shows up
⇒ How self-doubt can block creativity and confidence
⇒ The power of sharing vulnerable feelings with a friend
⇒ How remembering your personal “why” can help you move forward
⇒ That confidence doesn’t mean perfection, it means purpose

🌟 Sometimes the best way to silence doubt is to ask yourself why you started in the first place. Your voice matters and your reasons are enough.

Watch the videos:
EN:🎯 Maya & Leo: The Why Behind the Doubt | Finding Confidence Through Purpose

RO: 🎯 Maya & Leo: De ce-ul din spatele îndoielii | Găsirea încrederii prin scop

Learn more: https://embrace-future.eu/

🌊 Riding the Waves ~ Learning to Handle Big Emotions

The EMBRACE Future project is rolling out Module 3, designed to help children and teenagers (ages 6-18) build emotional awareness and resilience. Each age group, elementary, middle, and high school, is supported with tailored activities and videos.

This week we focus on middle school (ages 10-14) with a new video: “Riding the Waves”.

Maya’s frustrated. A ripped math worksheet. A mess to clean up. She wonders, ‘what do I do with feelings this big?’ That’s when Maya+ shows up with an idea: think of emotions like ocean waves. Sometimes calm, sometimes stormy, but always something you can learn to ride. 

🎥 In this short video, middle schoolers will explore:
⇒ What emotional self-regulation means (and why it matters)
⇒ How emotions act like signals that tell us what we need
⇒ Why how, when, and with whom makes all the difference when sharing feelings
⇒ Calming strategies that actually work, like talking to a friend, taking a break, or doing something creative
⇒ How expressing emotions clearly can turn frustration into connection

With practice, anyone can learn to surf the waves of emotion instead of being swept away. The more we notice, name, and share our feelings wisely, the more confident and in control we become.

Watch the videos:
EN: Riding the Waves 🌊 | Learning to Handle Big Emotions 

RO: 🌊 Ridică-te deasupra valurilor! | Învăț să gestionez emoțiile puternice

Learn more: https://embrace-future.eu/