How Creative Education and Church Partnerships Can Support Children’s Emotional Wellbeing.

For eight years, Heartsong Live Radio has been a voice of comfort, clarity, and courage, broadcasting hope across the airwaves and into homes that need healing. During our Together for 8 Appeal Radiothon, we spotlighted voices who are doing the quiet, impactful work of restoring hearts and raising the next generation with truth.

On Day 4, Arise with Eloho, we sat with Hannah, a UK-based creative educator. She is a passionate mum and a faith-filled communicator, whose unconventional approach to emotional wellbeing and education is reshaping how children learn and grow especially around tough, sensitive subjects. She shared her journey and the powerful impact of using creativity and honesty to support children’s emotional well-being. This conversation was a perfect reminder of why the work matters and why emotional wellbeing in children must be a shared priority for families, churches, and schools.

ABOUT HANNAH

Hannah is a relationship and sex educator based on the Isle of Man, known for her creative, hands-on teaching style. With a background in creative expressive therapies, she turned personal challenges into a passion for empowering young people. She now delivers engaging workshops in schools, trains teachers, and creates resources that make learning about relationships fun, honest, and accessible.

Why Honest Conversations With Children Matter?

From the very first moment of the conversation, one thing was clear: Hannah doesn’t shy away from hard topics. During the interview she challenged the silence many of us were raised with; the misconception that our children will remain innocent when we avoid having certain sensitive conversations like puberty, relationships, and identity with them. We forget we live in a digital age, they’ll find out but just not from us.

This raw truth speaks into the heart of many Christian families today. Caught between the fear of saying too much and the regret of saying too little, parents are often unprepared to navigate today’s emotional and sexual landscapes with their kids.

“We think we’re protecting our children by not responding. But the truth is, they’ll still go and find out.” She says.

This conversation hit home for many parents. In a digital age where children can access information instantly (and often without context), silence is not protection, it’s a risk! Instead of avoiding sensitive conversations, Hannah encourages parents, churches, and educators to be proactive, age-appropriate, honest, and creative in their approach.

Q: Why is it important to listen and respond honestly to children’s questions?

Hannah: You know, a lot of times adults think if they ignore or dodge kids’ questions, especially about tricky topics, they’re protecting them. But that’s not really the case. Kids are curious by nature, and if they don’t get honest answers at home or church, they’ll just go. elsewhere to find them sometimes from less reliable sources. So, it’s really important to listen carefully, be patient, and answer in a way they can understand. When children feel heard and get truthful responses, it builds trust and helps them feel safe opening up again later. It’s all about creating that open, honest relationship from the start.

Q: How can churches and schools work together to support young people’s emotional wellbeing?

Hannah: Schools have a huge role in children’s lives, and many teachers genuinely care about their students’ wellbeing. But they can only do so much because their time and resources are stretched. Churches, on the other hand, can offer a different kind of support more focused on spiritual guidance and emotional safety. When churches and schools partner well, they create a stronger support network for kids. For example, churches can encourage young people to join youth groups where they can talk freely, get encouragement, and learn how to cope with life’s challenges. It’s about filling the gaps and providing a community of love and trust that balances what children experience at school.

Q: Why do young people need balance between school and other environments?

Hannah: School life can be intense. Kids deal with friendships, peer pressure, academic stress, and sometimes negative influences. Having a balance means they have places outside of school where they experience unconditional love and honesty. Churches and youth groups often provide that. In these safe spaces, young people can be themselves, share their fears or struggles without judgment, and receive guidance rooted in faith. This balance helps them build resilience and a strong identity, so they’re not just surviving school but growing emotionally and spiritually.

Q: What should youth groups focus on to support young people emotionally?

Hannah: The heart of youth groups should be building authentic relationships. It’s not just about meeting once a week for activities; it’s about creating a community where young people feel they belong. Youth leaders can help kids develop meaningful friendships and connect them with mentors who live out Christian values in real, relatable ways. When youth groups focus on this, they become safe spaces for young people to open up about their struggles and find encouragement and prayer support. That kind of support can make a huge difference when they’re navigating the ups and downs of growing up.

Q: When a young person needs help, who should they turn to?

Hannah: Ideally, they should have trusted Christian friends or mentors they can talk to openly with people who will listen without judgment and pray with them. Having a few keyrelationships like that is so important because sometimes it’s easier for young people to talk with peers or slightly older mentors who really understand what they’re going through. Of course, friends and teachers can also be part of the support system, but the spiritual dimension is key. Prayer, biblical wisdom, and faith-based encouragement help young people find hope and direction when things get tough.

Q: How can churches and schools actually partner better?

Hannah: Churches can play a bigger role by actively encouraging young people to join youth groups or church-based programs that support their emotional and spiritual growth. They can also collaborate with schools by supporting school-based fellowships, like Scripture Union groups, which provide safe spaces during the school day. When churches show they care about what happens in schools and offer extra support outside of school, kids get a more consistent message of hope and belonging. It’s about teamwork; churches, schools, parents, and communities working together to support the whole child.

Q: You focus on creative teaching methods. Why do you think fun is important in learning?

Hannah: Fun is absolutely key! When kids enjoy what they’re learning, their brains engage fully. If a lesson is boring or just a lecture, kids’ attention wanders quickly and they mentally check out. But when you bring in art, drama, music, or interactive games, it grabs their attention and helps them remember what they’re taught. For example, when talking about sensitive topics like puberty or emotions, using props or activities breaks the ice and makes it less intimidating. It creates a relaxed atmosphere where kids feel safe to ask questions and share their thoughts. Learning becomes a positive experience rather than something scary or awkward.

Q: Can you give an example of how you make lessons more engaging?

Hannah: Definitely! One of my favorite ways is using a “lucky dip” box for puberty lessons. I fill it with everyday items like deodorant, sanitary pads, or face wipes. Kids get excited to pick something from the box, and it sparks natural questions and conversation. Suddenly, they’re not just listening to me talk; they’re involved and curious. It helps normalize the topic and reduces embarrassment because it becomes playful rather than just serious. That hands-on experience really helps the information stick with them.

Host: What’s one important truth you want every child to know?

Hannah: The biggest thing I want kids to know is that they are truly special and unique. There’s no one else exactly like them in the whole world, and that’s a beautiful thing. This truth is so powerful because it helps build their confidence and self-worth. When children understand their value from an early age, they’re less likely to fall into negative patterns or believe harmful lies about themselves later on.

Q: Why is it important for children to hear that regularly?

Hannah: Kids need constant reminders that they are loved and valued especially because they face a lot of pressure from social media, friends, and even family sometimes. Hearingthis truth regularly helps them develop a strong foundation. When they grow up believing in their worth, they’re better equipped to handle failures or mistakes without losing hope. It helps them bounce back, try again, and keep growing with a positive mindset.

Q: What advice do you have for parents struggling to connect with their children?

Hannah: I always tell parents to speak life into their kids even when it’s tough. Kids mess up, that’s normal, but their mistakes don’t define who they are. Try to see failures as feedback, not final judgment. Keep the lines of communication open, and remind your children that you believe in them no matter what. Be patient, listen more than you talk, and offer encouragement. Sometimes just knowing someone’s in their corner makes all the difference.

“Don’t Wait to Talk” Whether you’re a parent, youth leader, or educator, here’s the truth; Children are listening even when we’re silent. What they need is not perfection, but presence. Not just protection, but preparation.

Let’s raise a generation that’s not just informed, but emotionally grounded, spiritually secure, and mentally strong. We’d love to hear your thoughts!

How do you support the young people in your life emotionally?

Share your experiences with us by sending an email to info@heartsonglive.co.uk or drop your story on social media using #HeartsongVoices.

Your voice matters, let’s keep the conversation going!