Children who feel excluded from their social environment or who lack a supportive family structure may develop feelings of loneliness and deep sadness, which can lead to depression. These children and adolescents often feel abandoned, both by their families and by society in general, which reinforces their emotional isolation.
1. The importance of attachment and secure relationships
Secure attachment during childhood is one of the most important factors for healthy emotional development. However, many children at risk of exclusion do not have adults who offer them a safe and stable environment.
Attachment and emotional development in childhood
Attachment is a child's ability to form a strong emotional relationship with a caring figure, such as a parent or guardian. Children who develop a secure attachment tend to have a greater ability to manage their emotions and trust others. In contrast, those who do not have these stable figures often develop behavioral problems, difficulty forming healthy relationships, and low self-esteem.
The importance of support figures in vulnerable environments
In situations of social exclusion, it is essential that children can establish secure relationships with adults in their environment, such as educators, social workers or mentors. These figures can offer them an emotional foundation that allows them to feel valued, listened to and supported, which in turn promotes their emotional well-being and their ability to integrate into society.
2. Emotional support strategies in intervention with minors
Emotional support must be an essential part of any intervention programme aimed at children at risk of exclusion. Below are some of the most effective strategies for offering this support in a comprehensive manner.
Emotional support
Emotional support involves offering children a safe space where they can express their emotions and concerns without fear of being judged. This can be achieved through the presence of an educator or tutor who is trained to listen to and guide the child in times of emotional crisis. In contexts of exclusion, this type of support can be a powerful tool to help children manage their stress and anxiety.
Emotional therapies and group programs
Group or individual therapies focused on managing emotions can also be very useful for children in situations of exclusion. These therapies teach them to identify and express their feelings in a healthy way, fostering resilience and self-esteem. In addition, group programs offer the opportunity to share experiences with other children and adolescents facing similar situations, which reinforces the sense of belonging and mutual understanding.
Fostering resilience
One of the main goals of emotional support for children at risk of exclusion is to foster resilience, that is, the ability to overcome adversity. By building strong self-esteem and promoting coping skills, children can learn to better manage the challenges they face in their daily lives. This process includes teaching them to identify their emotions, understand their sources and find constructive ways to respond to them.
3. The role of psychoeducational intervention
Psychoeducational intervention plays a crucial role in improving the emotional well-being of minors. This type of intervention combines the teaching of socio-emotional skills with a therapeutic approach, creating a learning environment where minors can develop tools to manage their emotions.
Emotional education in the school context
Including emotional education programs within the school context is an effective strategy to address the emotional problems of at-risk children. These programs teach students communication skills, empathy and emotional regulation, which are essential for their social integration. At the same time, they allow them to feel supported by their peers and teachers, creating a more inclusive and understanding environment.
Mentoring programs
Mentoring programs are also a powerful tool in intervention with minors. Through these programs, minors have the opportunity to establish relationships with adult role models who provide them with emotional support and guidance at key moments in their development. Mentors act as role models and offer them a source of stability and security in their daily lives.
Emotional support is an essential component in intervention with minors in situations of social exclusion. The effects of exclusion on their emotional well-being can be devastating, but with appropriate intervention, it is possible to offer them the necessary tools to overcome these challenges. Safe relationships, emotional support and psychoeducational programs are just some of the strategies that, implemented effectively, can make a significant difference in their lives, allowing them to fully integrate into society and develop as resilient and confident individuals.
