May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a time to spotlight the everyday habits that help children and teens thrive mentally, emotionally, and physically.

At EMBRACE, we believe one of the most powerful of these habits is sleep.

Through our Life Skills program in Romanian schools, children learn that a well-rested brain is a strong brain – better at managing emotions, staying focused in class, and bouncing back from challenges.

🌙 Here are 10 science-backed reasons why sleep is essential to a child’s mental well-being:

1️⃣ 🧠 Boosts Focus & Memory → Sleep strengthens brain connections that support learning and attention.

2️⃣ 😌 Regulates Emotions → Well-rested children manage emotions more calmly and recover from stress faster.

3️⃣ 🎓 Improves School Performance → Adequate sleep increases cognitive flexibility and motivation.

4️⃣ 🎯 Supports Decision-Making → Rested minds are better at impulse control and thoughtful choices.

5️⃣ 🧬 Promotes Brain Development → Deep sleep nurtures the growing brain, especially in children and teens.

6️⃣ 💤 Reduces Mental Health Risks → Lack of sleep increases vulnerability to anxiety and depression.

7️⃣ 📉 Combats Fatigue & Burnout → Good sleep restores physical and mental energy.

8️⃣ 💥 Strengthens Stress Response → Sleep lowers cortisol and enhances emotional resilience.

9️⃣ 💗 Builds Confidence & Self-Esteem → Feeling rested supports self-image and participation.

🔟 🧭 Creates Routine & Stability → Consistent sleep schedules build a sense of safety and structure.

📚 Backed by research from the WHO Europe:

🔹 Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age (https://tinyurl.com/w7s3uadx)

🔹 WHO technical meeting on sleep and health (https://tinyurl.com/2htytsr8)

🔹WHO Report on Health Behaviours of 11–15-Year-Olds in Europe (https://tinyurl.com/46dhws88)

🔹WHO Fact Sheet on Adolescent Mental Health (https://tinyurl.com/k5t9um7s)

🔹WHO Study on Physical Activity, Screen Time and Sleep Habits of Children (https://tinyurl.com/u3ph5ky6)

🌍 During Mental Health Awareness Month, EMBRACE is proud to highlight the importance of sleep as a life skill – not just for physical health, but for emotional balance, academic growth, and lifelong resilience.

Our partners – Fundatia Serviciilor Sociale Bethany (FSSB), Fundatia de Sprijin Comunitar (FSC), Federatia Organizatiilor Neguvernamentale pentru Copil (FONPC), Asociatia “Bună Ziua, Copii din România”` (BZRO) and Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL (EA) – are working across Romania to help children build lasting habits for well-being, starting with sleep.

#EMBRACEProject #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #SleepMatters #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EmotionalLiteracy #EducationMatters #Wellbeing #EACEA

At every age, building a strong foundation for well-being starts with simple, everyday actions.

In our EMBRACE educational sessions in Romanian schools, we teach children and teens that good nutrition, physical activity, and emotional health are the pillars of a happy, resilient life.

Just like choosing nourishing foods and balancing school and play, drinking enough water every day fuels our bodies and minds for growth, energy, and emotional balance.

💧 Why is drinking water essential for our health? Here are 10 key reasons:

1.  Supports Physical and Cognitive Functions → Water maintains normal physical and mental performance.
2. Regulates Body Temperature → Water helps stabilize body heat, especially during physical activity.
3. Boosts Mood and Reduces Fatigue → Even mild dehydration worsens mood and increases tiredness.
4. Enhances Memory and Attention → Good hydration improves cognitive performance across all ages.
5. Supports Heart Health → Hydration helps maintain healthy blood volume and blood pressure.
6. Aids Digestion → Water dissolves nutrients and helps the body process food efficiently.
7. Promotes Kidney Health → Proper hydration helps kidneys remove waste and prevent stones.
8. Lubricates Joints and Tissues → Water protects joints, muscles, and organs from damage.
9. Prevents Dehydration-Linked Illnesses → Consistent water intake lowers risks like UTIs and kidney stones.
10. Encourages Healthier Choices and Protects the Environment → Drinking water instead of sugary beverages improves personal health and supports environmental sustainability. (Less production, less waste!)

Sources:

European Commission (Knowledge4Policy: https://tinyurl.com/mr4xkxja)

Nutrition Reviews (Oxford Academic: https://doi.org/10.1093/nutrit/nuv056)

Hydration in Europe Report (Bryggeriforeningen: https://tinyurl.com/5z7khcwc)

British Dietetic Association (https://tinyurl.com/3afrb9b3)

WHO Europe (https://tinyurl.com/3tsa8n7c).

The EMBRACE partners Fundatia Servicilor Sociale Bethany, Fundația de Sprijin Comunitar, Asociaţia Bună Ziua copii din România, FONPC, and Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL – provide educational materials that are taught in Romanian schools to build awareness about the importance of physical health, nutrition, hydration, and emotional well-being.

In Module 1, children and teenagers learn that drinking water is an essential part of living a healthy, active, and balanced lifestyle.

👉 Small habits create big changes!

📲 Learn more at embrace-future.eu.

#EMBRACEProject #Health #Hydration #StayHydrated #HealthyHabits #YouthWellness #SmallStepsBigChanges #NutritionEducation #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EACEA

As part of Module 1: Physical Well-being, we are thrilled to introduce a fun and educational video from the EMBRACE Squad! This video helps children understand the importance of healthy eating and how smart snack choices can strengthen their bodies and minds.

Meet Sparky & Wise the Owl

In this video, children meet Sparky the Puppy, a playful, curious little explorer who’s always eager to learn and discover new things. Sparky is full of wonder, and his enthusiastic spirit brings a sense of excitement to every adventure. But today, Sparky faces a challenge: the temptation of donuts!

On his side is Wise the Owl, the calm and knowledgeable guide. Wise is here to help Sparky – and the viewers – understand the value of healthy snacks. Instead of sugary treats, Wise gently teaches Sparky that fruits, veggies, and nuts are the real heroes for our health.

Together, they help kids on their journey to learn about emotional well-being and healthy eating!

The Story: Tempted by Donuts, But Choosing Super Snacks

Sparky is faced with a tempting donut, but Wise the Owl offers some friendly wisdom. By choosing healthier options like fruits, veggies, and nuts, Sparky can fuel his body and mind the right way. The two characters explore the idea that healthy snacks can help them feel their best and give them the energy to keep exploring the world around them!

🐶 Sparky: “So healthy snacks make us super dogs and super owls?”

🦉 Wise: “Yes, Sparky! Eating well helps us all be and feel our best.”

It’s a fun and simple message for kids to understand: healthy snacks aren’t just good for you – they help you grow strong and smart!

🇬🇧 English:

🇷🇴 Romanian:

Characters with a Purpose

While the story is fun and engaging, Sparky and Wise are more than just characters – they represent two timeless archetypes that connect with children in meaningful ways.

Sparky the Puppy embodies the Innocent/Child archetype, representing purity, naivety, and a natural connection to the world around him. His curiosity and playful exploration make him a perfect character for children to relate to as they discover new things, including how healthy eating can impact their well-being. Sparky’s inquisitive nature encourages kids to see the world with fresh eyes and embrace the process of learning.

Wise the Owl, on the other hand, represents the Wise Old Man/Woman archetype, which brings wisdom, calm, and guidance. Wise serves as a mentor to Sparky, offering advice that helps him – and the children watching – make better choices for their health. The role of Wise the Owl is to guide kids in their emotional and physical journeys, showing them how to build resilience and embrace healthy habits.

As part of Module 1: Physical Well-being, the EMBRACE project is committed to teaching children not only what to eat but why those choices matter. Healthy eating lays the foundation for good mental and physical health, and it is never too early to start building those habits. By encouraging children to make thoughtful snack choices, we’re giving them the tools to thrive in both their bodies and minds.

Through Sparky’s innocence and Wise’s wisdom, kids will understand that making healthy choices is a path to becoming the best versions of themselves – strong, happy, and full of energy. These characters are designed to help children explore the world in a fun, engaging way while learning valuable lessons about well-being. The goal of Module 1: Physical Well-being is to promote lifelong habits that prioritize physical health as a key part of overall mental and emotional well-being.

Watch Now and Share the Fun!

It’s time to share this fun, educational video with kids and families! Help us spread the word and inspire healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Through Sparky and Wise, we aim to guide kids on a journey to emotional and physical well-being, one healthy snack at a time.

🇬🇧 English: https://youtu.be/j4qZMi1hv40?si=bT9NEoGUP6WMJxts 

🇷🇴 Romanian: https://youtu.be/NROg1VLgics?si=Rp8P2dlVj1kpjy3F 

Stay tuned for more fun educational videos and subscribe to our YouTube channel: youtube.com/@EmbraceFutureCerv 

#EMBRACEProject #LifeSkills #WellBeing #EducationForTheFuture #Empowerment #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EmotionalLiteracy #EducationMatters #Wellbeing  #EACEA

This week we are launching the piloting phase for EMBRACE curricula – a program developed gradually by a dedicated team of professionals, that aims to educate children about their mental health and improve their wellbeing in the long term.

We are excited to announce that during the whole month of April 500 children from 10 schools from Iasi, Bacău, and Vaslui County will participate in Module 1 Physical Health.

📍 IAȘI 🏛️
1️⃣ Liceul Teoretic Comandor Alexandru Cătuneanu (www.catuneanu.ro)
2️⃣ Liceul Special Moldova – Târgu Frumos (www.liceulmoldova.ro)
3️⃣ Școala Gimnazială Ion Creangă – Târgu Frumos (www.sioncreanga.weebly.com)
4️⃣ Școala Gimnazială Garabet Ibrăileanu – Târgu Frumos (www.gibraileanutgfrumos.ro)

📍 BACĂU 🏫
5️⃣ Școala Gimnazială Domnița Maria Bacău (www.scoaladomnitamaria.ro)
6️⃣ Școala Gimnazială Dealu Morii (www.scoaladealumorii.ro/)
7️⃣ Școala Gimnazială Gheorghe Nechita – comuna Motoșeni (www.scmotoseni.ro/)

📍 VASLUI 🏡
8️⃣ Școala Gimnazială „Stroe S. Belloescu” – Bârlad (https://lnkd.in/gMs2qvag)
9️⃣ Liceul Tehnologic Puiești (https://lnkd.in/gmfvnCXe)
🔟 Școala Gimnazială ”Ion Murgeanu” – Zorleni (www.scoalazorleni.ro)

Teams of psychologists and social workers will facilitate interactive sessions in schools teaching children and youth to discover how a healthy lifestyle influences their:

✔️Emotional state
✔️Concentration capacity
✔️Energy level &
✔️Inner balance

Thus, children and adolescents will understand that mental health is linked to the way they take care of their bodies and the way they manage their emotions and relationships.

📆 The piloting program will last 12 months and consists of 5 Modules.

Each module supports kids’ and young people’s well-being, understanding, emotional literacy, and happiness:

💪Module 1: Physical Well-being – Helps kids and young people develop healthy habits through rest, nutrition, hygiene, and an understanding of disabilities.
🧠Module 2: Cognitive Well-being – Explores how the brain works, how to process information, stay motivated and build resilience in both success and failure.
🌈Module 3: Emotional Well-being – Teaches how to understand emotions, manage strong feelings, develop self-control, and build resilience.
🌎Module 4: Spiritual Well-being – Encourages reflection on values, beliefs, human and children’s rights, inclusion, gender equality, and making ethical choices.
🤝Module 5: Social Well-being – Develops skills for building strong relationships, adapting to social groups, setting boundaries, recognizing toxic situations, and practicing empathy.

We are thankful to the 10 schools in Iasi, Bacău, and Vaslui County for opening their doors for learning and growing in the well-being of children! 🙏

#EMBRACEProject #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EducationMatters #HealthyEating #TeenWellbeing #PhysicalHealth #LICEUL_SPECIAL_MOLDOVA #RomanianSchools #Education #Romania #EACEA

What emotions do you feel today? It’s okay to experience a mix of feelings! 🌱

Emotional awareness is the foundation of emotional intelligence (EQ), helping us navigate relationships, manage stress, and build resilience.

At EMBRACE, we help children understand their emotions and develop emotional literacy from an early age—an essential skill for lifelong well-being. Research shows that:

📚 Children with strong emotional awareness perform better in school – those with higher EQ have also shown 12% higher academic performance than their peers.
💡 Emotional intelligence reduces anxiety and depression, leading to better mental health in both children and adults.
🌱 Higher EQ means better stress management – people with strong emotional skills recover faster from challenges and setbacks.
👫 Emotional intelligence strengthens relationships by improving communication, empathy, and self-awareness.

💬 What emotion are you feeling today? Reflect on your feelings, and let’s work together to ensure the next generation gains the emotional skills they need to thrive.

📲embrace-future.eu

#EMBRACEProject #EmoțiiînCulori #EQForLife #EmbraceEmotions #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EmotionalLiteracy #EmotionalAwareness #EmotionalIntelligence #ChildDevelopment #MentalHealth #EACEA

Our research highlights urgent issues impacting students across Romania 🇷🇴, including mental health struggles, absenteeism, bullying, discrimination, and limited student participation in decision-making.

Key Insights:

🧠 Mental Health Matters – Over 30% of students experience anxiety or deep sadness, yet 14% don’t know where to seek help when struggling emotionally.
🚨 Bullying & Marginalization – 33% of students have felt excluded or humiliated by peers, and 50%+ know classmates who were marginalized. 17% never told anyone about the bullying they faced.
📉 Absenteeism & School Dropout – While teachers cite family issues & lack of interest as top reasons, 41% of students say they skip school because they “don’t feel well.” Social exclusion plays a major role in absenteeism.
⚖️ Gender Discrimination & Social Barriers – Nearly 1 in 3 students has felt discouraged or treated unfairly because of gender. Teachers report cases of domestic violence, early marriages, and girls dropping out due to pregnancy.
🗣️ Student Participation – Only 45% of students feel they have a way to express concerns at school. Lack of clear communication prevents meaningful student involvement in decisions.

What Needs to Change?

✅ Expand mental health support in schools and make resources more accessible.
✅ Strengthen anti-bullying efforts and encourage safe, open conversations.
✅ Ensure equal education access for girls and marginalized students.
✅ Empower students to have a voice in decisions impacting their school life.

🏫 Every child deserves a safe, supportive school environment!
Our latest research shows the struggles students face – bullying, mental health issues, and exclusion. Let’s take action! 💙

💡 What steps do you think schools should take? Comment below! ⬇️
🔗 Learn more: embrace-future.eu/about/

#EMBRACEProject #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EmotionalLiteracy #EducationMatters #Wellbeing #MentalHealthMatters #InclusiveEducation #StopBullying #StudentVoicesMatter #EducationForAll #EACEA

The EMBRACE Life Skills Program is developing five educational modules that go beyond traditional learning to equip kids and young people with essential life skills and emotional literacy.

Each module supports kids’ and young people’s well-being, understanding, emotional literacy, and happiness:
💪 Module 1: Physical Well-being – Helps kids and young people develop healthy habits through rest, nutrition, hygiene, and an understanding of disabilities.
🧠 Module 2: Cognitive Well-being – Explores how the brain works, how to process information, stay motivated, and build resilience in both success and failure.
🌈 Module 3: Emotional Well-being – Teaches how to understand emotions, manage strong feelings, develop self-control, and build resilience.
🌍 Module 4: Spiritual Well-being – Encourages reflection on values, beliefs, human and children’s rights, inclusion, gender equality, and making ethical choices.
🤝 Module 5: Social Well-being – Develops skills for building strong relationships, adapting to social groups, setting boundaries, recognizing toxic situations, and practicing empathy.

Through these modules, EMBRACE supports kids and young people in developing physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, and social well-being, helping them lead balanced and fulfilling lives. ✨ Learn more at embrace-future.eu 🧡

#EMBRACEProject #LifeSkills #WellBeing #EducationForTheFuture #Empowerment #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EmotionalLiteracy #EducationMatters #Wellbeing #EACEA

✨ 1st day of Project Meeting in Iași, #Romania 🇷🇴

More information about the project at: https://embrace-future.eu/

Hosted by our coordinator Fundatia Servicilor Sociale Bethany, this two-day event will bring together the EMBRACE partners from across Romania Fundația de Sprijin Comunitar Asociaţia Bună Ziua copii din România and FONPC, alongside Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL from Spain.

#EMBRACEProject #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EmotionalLiteracy #EducationMatters #Wellbeing #CollaborationForChange

From March 4-5, 2025, our consortium partners will gather in Iași, Romania, for an exciting in-person meeting as part of the EMBRACE project! 🎉

Hosted by our coordinator Fundatia Servicilor Sociale Bethany, this two-day event will bring together the EMBRACE partners from across Romania 📘Fundația de Sprijin Comunitar 🎨 Asociaţia Bună Ziua copii din România and 🛡️FONPC alongside 🇪🇸Evolutionary Archetypes Consulting SL from Spain.

We look forward to meaningful discussions and continued collaboration as we work toward a future where children in Romania have the resources and support they need to thrive and become mental health advocates.

✨ Stay tuned for updates and check out our project website: embrace-future.eu 🌐

#EMBRACEProject #ChildMentalHealth #EUfunded #EmotionalLiteracy #EducationMatters #Wellbeing #CollaborationForChange #EACEA