The Oatelier Smart Holidays, which completed its seventh edition in July, is guided by clinical and educational psychologists from the Belong institute, created by a psychologist in the Oeiras municipality of Lisbon. They work with each child and young person (up to 15 years old) using a reflection notebook/manual dedicated to developing emotional intelligence.
The objective, as explained by the organization, is to promote skills among young people to deal with socialization challenges, manage emotions, and control behavior. The workshop stimulates emotional vocabulary, empathy, and social behavior, as well as expressing feelings and needs more effectively, understanding and justifying emotional states, and developing emotional self-control, especially for emotions such as anger, irritation, and frustration.
Also with the dream of promoting and driving a real transformation in the lives of children, young people, families, and schools, a non-profit association, APCIJ – Portuguese Association of Child and Youth Coaching, was created in January 2021. On September 21 and 22, they will hold a second national meeting in Porto, opening the second day of the event to the public.
The non-profit association, as explained to Lusa by one of those responsible, Erika Cruz, arose from the need to contribute to the practice, progress, and dissemination of child, youth, parental, and school coaching. It aims to regulate professional activity through a code of ethics and support professionals in developing and growing their careers.
Coaching is an activity that is already consolidated in Portugal but still without national or global regulation, stated Erika Cruz.
This second meeting will focus on issues related to the emotional, social, and educational development of children and young people, as well as the importance of recognizing and investing in effective strategies to promote student well-being and success.
These meetings are a space for parents, educators, teachers, and the general public to expand and exchange experiences on how to cultivate a positive and supportive environment for children and young people, says the association.
