TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THEIR BRAIN

When children learn how their brain works and practice ways to manage their emotions, they become better at handling stress and challenges. Kids who understand their emotions early in life have better mental health as they grow up.

Research Evidence:

• Ages 0-5 are the most important years for learning emotional skills and self-control, which help kids succeed in school and life The importance of emotional competence and self-regulation from birth: a case for the evidence-based emotional cognitive social early learning approach | International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy | Full Text (International Journal of Child Care and Education Policy, 2017)
• Learning to manage emotions helps with attention, behavior, and doing well in school, which is important for long-term health and happiness The role of emotional regulation on early child school adjustment outcomes - ScienceDirect (ScienceDirect, 2024)

BREATHING

Breathing techniques have been shown to calm the mind and body by changing how our nervous system works. Breathing slowly and deeply physically relaxes the body and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety.

Research Evidence:

• Studies found that slow breathing exercises significantly reduce stress, anxiety, and depression compared to doing nothing NatureNature (Scientific Reports meta-analysis, 2022-2023)
• Research showed that guided breathing exercises had a major effect on reducing anxiety and stress Clinical effectiveness of guided breathing exercises in reducing anxiety, stress, and depression in COVID-19 patients | Scientific Reports (Scientific Reports, 2024)

MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judging thoughts or feelings. It helps people worry less and feel more in control of their emotions. Regular mindfulness practice reduces anxiety & depression and improves attention & focus.

Research Evidence:

• Studies of 33 research trials showed that mindfulness programs greatly improved attention, focus, and mindfulness skills compared to regular activities NihWiley (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2019)
• Mindfulness helps with many health problems including depression, anxiety, stress, sleep issues, addiction, pain, and social behaviors Mindfulness-based interventions: an overall review - PMC (PMC review, 2021)

MENTAL HEALTH TOOLS

Mental health tools give people practical ways to handle stress, manage emotions, and bounce back from difficulties. Using these tools regularly helps people stay mentally healthy throughout their lives.

Research Evidence:

• Proven techniques like mindfulness, changing negative thoughts, and breathing exercises help people manage emotions better and improve quality of life Emotional Regulation: 5 Evidence-Based Regulation Techniques (Positive Psychology review, 2025)
• When children learn emotional control skills, it helps protect them from developing anxiety and depression Research Review: Child emotion regulation mediates the association between family factors and internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents – a meta‐analysis - Lin - 2024 - Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry - Wiley Online Library (Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 2024)