Writing can be a powerful tool for emotional release, especially for children. Encouraging your child to put pen or pencil to paper with a starter prompt, such as “Why am I so angry…”, can help them release emotions from their body. It’s a simple yet effective way for them to express their thoughts and feelings without the stress of being judged or corrected.
Remind your child that good grammar and spelling aren’t important during this process. Your child can even pick an ink or pencil color that reflects how they are feeling. For example, I like to use red ink when I am angry about something, and I never use nice paper and prefer paper without lines to allow for full emotional expression while writing.
Pictures or scribble can be included if your child cannot think of something to say. Just have them take their pen and pencil and draw in circles over and over again. They could even roar or yell, if it felt natural to do.
Or they can just write over and over “why cannot not think of anything else to write” until they get unblocked.
And, if bad words or thoughts come up, tell your child not to judge them and that they are not a bad person because of having those thoughts. Just write down whatever comes to mind as it comes to mind to get it up and out.
The main goal is emotional release, allowing them to get all their thoughts out on the paper without holding back. This act of free writing can be incredibly therapeutic and can help them process their emotions in a way that feels safe and private.
As parents, it’s crucial that we respect our child’s privacy during this exercise. We should not read what they have written. This gives them the full freedom to express themselves honestly without fear of consequences.
Once your child feels complete, they can engage in a final act of emotional release by physically letting go of what they wrote. They can crumple it up, shred it, or burn it (safely), symbolically freeing themselves from those bottled-up emotions.
Scientific studies have shown that expressive writing can reduce stress and anxiety. When emotions are suppressed, they can manifest as physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, or even more severe health issues (i.e. dis-ease). Writing provides an outlet to release these pent-up emotions, leading to decreased levels of stress hormones like cortisol.
Another significant benefit is improved mood and mental well-being. Research from the American Psychological Association suggests that people who engage in expressive writing experience fewer depressive symptoms and greater emotional resilience. This practice allows individuals to construct a narrative of their experiences, making sense of events and fostering a more positive outlook.
Incorporating emotional release writing into your child’s routine can be a simple yet effective way to support their emotional resilience and overall well-being and a welcome activity during stressful periods or after a tough day.
