The most serious risk factors for children’s emotional balance

      Picture a child as a small plant growing in a garden: to thrive, it needs sunlight, water, and nutrient-rich soil. Now, think of emotional balance as that soil—if it’s dry, acidic, or littered with rocks, the plant won’t flourish. The same goes for children: emotional balance is the foundation that allows them to face the world with confidence, curiosity, and joy. As parents, educators, or simply caring individuals, our role is to understand the risk factors threatening this foundation and take action to protect it. Studies from leading universities like Harvard and Oxford show that emotional well-being in childhood is directly tied to healthy relationships, safe environments, and appropriate stimulation. In this article, we’ll explore the most serious risk factors to children’s emotional balance and, more importantly, how we can turn them into opportunities for growth and hope.

One of the greatest threats to a child’s emotional balance is chronic stress, often triggered by unstable family environments. Research from the University of California indicates that children exposed to constant parental arguments or neglect exhibit elevated levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can impair brain development, particularly in the amygdala, the region responsible for processing emotions. Consider Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who faced extreme adversity but found strength in education and family support to transform her life. This teaches us that even in tough circumstances, emotional support can be a powerful shield. As adults, we can provide this shield by listening to children, creating predictable routines, and showing them they have a safe haven at home or school.

Another critical factor is the lack of emotional bonding with caregivers. John Bowlby, a pioneer of attachment theory, demonstrated that emotional connection in the early years is essential for building solid self-esteem. When this bond is weak—due to parental absence or cold, distant interactions—children may grow up with deep insecurities. Think of Oprah Winfrey, who overcame a childhood marked by abandonment and abuse thanks to figures like her grandmother, who offered attention and affection. Today, methodologies like MAT (Mindset, Action, and Theater), developed by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, reinforce this idea by using theater to strengthen emotional ties. Engaging children in creative activities, such as acting out family stories, can be a practical way to nurture these bonds and teach empathy from an early age.

Excessive screen time also demands our attention. A recent study from the University of Cambridge revealed that children spending over three hours daily on smartphones or tablets are at greater risk of anxiety and concentration difficulties. When used without moderation, screens replace rich human interactions and free playtime, both vital for emotional development. Consider Albert Einstein, whose curiosity was nurtured not by devices but by outdoor play and conversations with his parents. Reducing screen time and replacing it with activities like ThM (Theater Movement), another approach by Antônio Carlos dos Santos, can be transformative. This method encourages movement and theatrical expression, helping children process emotions while having fun.

Pressure to perform is another risk we can’t overlook. In a world obsessed with results, many children face unrealistic expectations from a young age, whether at school or in extracurricular activities. Research from Stanford University shows that such pressure can lead to symptoms of depression and low self-esteem, especially when children feel their worth depends solely on achievements. Think of Lionel Messi, who, despite his innate talent, faced criticism and pressure as a child but found balance through his family’s support, which valued effort over victories. As educators and parents, we can shift this dynamic by celebrating the process—a well-made drawing, a brave attempt—rather than focusing only on the outcome.

Violence, whether physical, verbal, or psychological, is a devastating factor for emotional balance. Studies from the Max Planck Institute in Germany indicate that children exposed to aggression are more likely to develop disorders like post-traumatic stress. Yet there’s hope even here: Nelson Mandela, raised in a context of adversity, turned his experiences into strength to fight for a better world, guided by mentors who taught him to channel his emotions. At home or school, we can adopt simple strategies, like resolving conflicts through dialogue and teaching children their voices matter. MAT, with its emphasis on dramatization, can help little ones express difficult feelings safely and creatively.

The lack of access to play and leisure time also undermines emotional balance. The World Health Organization emphasizes that play is a fundamental right and a necessity for healthy development, yet many children, especially in vulnerable social contexts, miss out on this opportunity. Look at J.K. Rowling, who, despite financial struggles in childhood, found refuge in imaginative stories and games that fueled her creativity. ThM, with its focus on theatrical movement, is a powerful tool to reclaim this playful essence, allowing children to explore their emotions through body and imagination, whether at home or in school projects.

Socioeconomic instability is another factor weighing on children’s emotional balance. Research from the University of São Paulo shows that children in financially strained families tend to exhibit more anxiety, often because they sense their parents’ worries or live in chaotic settings. Yet stories like Pelé’s, who grew up in poverty but found joy in playing soccer with friends, remind us that community support and small moments of happiness can make a difference. As adults, we can build support networks—neighbors, teachers, friends—and offer children simple activities, like storytelling or outdoor play, that don’t rely on material resources.

The absence of positive role models is also a significant risk. Children learn by imitation, and when they lack examples of resilience, empathy, or self-control, regulating their own emotions becomes harder. Studies from Yale University show that the presence of emotionally intelligent adults improves children’s behavior. Consider Michelle Obama, who credits her strength to her parents’ lessons on perseverance and kindness. We, as caregivers, are those role models: by showing calm in crises or gratitude in small things, we teach children how to navigate the world with balance.

Finally, social isolation, worsened by pandemics or closed family dynamics, is a barrier to emotional balance. The University of Tokyo found that children deprived of peer interaction are more likely to develop extreme shyness or aggression. Yet take Anne Frank, who, even in confinement, found hope through writing and family connection. Methods like MAT and ThM can be allies here, fostering socialization through theatrical activities that unite children and adults in shared experiences. Creating spaces for connection—a book club, a group play—is a simple, powerful step.

Children’s emotional balance isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity that will shape their future and ours. Every risk factor we face is also an opportunity to act with love, creativity, and intention. Whether it’s reducing stress with a comforting routine, strengthening bonds with a bedtime story, or bringing theater into the classroom, we have the power to turn challenges into moments of growth. As neuroscientist António Damásio said, “We are not thinking machines that feel, but feeling machines that think.” Let’s nurture these little feeling machines—our children—with the best we can offer, so they can blossom in a world that so desperately needs them.

Access the books by Antônio Carlos dos Santos on amazon.com or amazon.com.br

Click here.

https://www.amazon.com/author/antoniosantos

To learn more, click here.

To learn more, click here.