Guidance & Counselling

Counseling children through the various stages of development is a critical responsibility for educators, especially during the pre-adolescent and adolescent years. The hormonal changes that take place during these periods can significantly impact students’ emotions, behavior, and overall well-being. These hormonal fluctuations—particularly in cortisol (the stress hormone), dopamine (the pleasure hormone), and serotonin (the mood stabilizer)—can lead to anxiety, stress, mood swings, and even difficulty focusing on academics. In a school setting, offering guidance and counseling becomes essential to help children navigate these emotional challenges.

This article explores practical strategies to support students in managing their hormonal changes, focusing on building emotional resilience, promoting self-expression, and fostering a supportive environment in the school.

Understanding the Needs of Pre-Adolescents (Ages 9-12)

During pre-adolescence, children begin to experience early signs of hormonal shifts. They may become more sensitive to external stressors, develop self-consciousness, or exhibit mood swings. At this age, it is important for counselors and teachers to create an environment where students feel safe to express themselves and manage these changes.

Here are some approaches for supporting pre-adolescent students:

Open Communication: Encourage students to talk about their emotions and experiences. Regular check-ins or open discussion sessions allow students to express concerns and receive reassurance. When students feel heard, it helps reduce anxiety and stress.
Mindfulness Exercises: Incorporating simple mindfulness practices such as breathing exercises, visualization, or progressive muscle relaxation can help students manage stress. These exercises promote self-awareness and can reduce cortisol levels, offering calmness.
Physical Activity: Encouraging physical movement, whether through organized sports or free play, helps release tension and regulate emotions. Physical exercise boosts dopamine production, which is linked to feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Addressing the Needs of Adolescents (Ages 13-18)

Adolescence brings about more intense hormonal fluctuations, which can impact mood regulation, decision-making, and social interactions. The emotional highs and lows can lead to frustration, isolation, or difficulty coping with academic pressures.

Some techniques for supporting adolescents include:

Journaling: Encourage students to journal their thoughts and emotions. Writing offers a healthy outlet for self-reflection, helping students process their feelings in a non-judgmental space. Journaling also enhances emotional clarity, promoting serotonin production and overall well-being.
Peer Support Groups: Organizing peer counseling or support groups allows students to share experiences with others facing similar challenges. The sense of connection and empathy reduces feelings of isolation and helps students feel understood during difficult times.
Structured Routines: Adolescents thrive when provided with structure and consistency. Establishing clear daily routines, both in and out of school, helps create stability, reducing anxiety caused by uncertainty. When students know what to expect, they are better able to manage stress.
Creating a Supportive School Environment

In addition to individualized approaches, schools should work to create a supportive atmosphere where students feel emotionally and socially secure. Teachers and counselors can collaborate to organize workshops on emotional intelligence, stress management, and healthy communication. Offering these resources allows students to develop tools for handling the pressures that accompany adolescence and pre-adolescence.

Encouraging positive interactions among peers also plays a role in reducing stress and improving self-esteem. Schools can promote team-building activities and group projects to foster collaboration and trust among students.

The Benefits of Music in Counseling

While many strategies can help students manage hormonal changes, the inclusion of music in counseling is particularly beneficial. Music has the unique ability to regulate emotions, reduce stress, and improve mood. Listening to calming music or engaging in music-based activities like drumming or singing has been shown to lower cortisol levels, while boosting dopamine and serotonin, helping students feel more relaxed and joyful.

For example, rhythmic drumming can provide a physical outlet for pre-adolescents to release pent-up energy and reduce anxiety, while songwriting and lyric composition offer adolescents a creative way to process complex emotions. The simple act of listening to music during stressful moments can help students regain focus and composure, allowing them to navigate the challenges of adolescence with more ease.

Conclusion

Counseling children through the emotional turbulence of pre-adolescence and adolescence is essential for their mental and emotional well-being. By offering practical strategies such as open communication, mindfulness, physical activity, and structured routines, schools can provide the support students need to manage hormonal changes. Incorporating music as part of this counseling approach adds another layer of emotional regulation, making it a valuable tool in helping young people find balance and resilience during these critical developmental stages.