At a time when children are growing up in a world dominated by fast-paced technology, social pressures, and shrinking emotional connections, a growing number of educators and parents are turning attention to an often-overlooked tool for shaping young minds, poetry.

For Nigerian author and creative writer, Yewande Akinse, poetry is far more than rhythm and rhyme. It is a bridge to emotional intelligence, empathy, self-awareness, and character development among children navigating the complexities of modern life.

Her newly released children-focused poetry collection, The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms, is drawing commendation for blending imagination with emotional learning in a way that resonates with both children and parents.

Inspired largely by her experiences as a mother, Akinse said the book was created to help children understand emotions, embrace kindness, and develop confidence in expressing themselves.

“The collection was inspired by my daughter and the beauty, innocence, and curiosity I see in children everywhere,” Akinse said.

“I wanted the poems to encourage children to understand that true strength is found not only in power but also in compassion, empathy, honesty, and self-expression.”

Across the world, conversations around children’s mental and emotional wellbeing have gained prominence as experts warn about the effects of excessive screen time, bullying, anxiety, peer pressure, and emotional isolation among young people.

Against this backdrop, Akinse’s work attempts to reposition literature as an essential emotional tool rather than mere academic exercise.

Through playful storytelling, reflective verses, and relatable experiences, the collection introduces young readers to themes of resilience, love, relationships, courage, mistakes, hope, and personal growth.

The poems, according to the author, were intentionally written to balance childhood innocence with the realities children may eventually face as they grow.

“I wanted the collection to balance innocence with wisdom, offering children poetry that feels comforting while also encouraging them to think deeply and grow with confidence and purpose,” she explained.

For many parents, one of the greatest concerns today is raising children who are emotionally balanced in an increasingly distracted digital generation. While technology continues to reshape learning and communication, Akinse believes literature still holds unmatched power in helping children connect with their emotions and understand others.

“Stories and poems help children develop empathy, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and self-awareness while strengthening their imagination and understanding of the world,” she stated.

“Literature creates safe spaces where children can explore emotions, ask questions, learn values, and build confidence.”

Observers say the renewed focus on emotional intelligence in children is particularly important in Nigeria, where conversations around emotional wellbeing and mental health are only gradually gaining wider acceptance.

Education advocates have also continued to stress the need for creative learning methods capable of shaping not just academic performance but also character and emotional maturity.

For Akinse, poetry offers a unique opportunity to reach children early and influence how they perceive themselves and others.

Interestingly, while the collection appeals broadly to children, the author noted that part of its message is also directed at helping young boys embrace emotional openness and compassion in a society where emotional vulnerability is often discouraged.

Beyond the literary value of the collection, the project has also received institutional support through the Boy Child Initiative of the Office of the First Lady of Lagos State, championed by Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.

Akinse described the collaboration as a shared commitment to nurturing emotionally healthy and value-driven children through creativity and education.

According to her, the support is expected to help extend the reach of the book to schools, homes, and communities across Lagos and beyond.

“I hope the poems encourage children to embrace kindness, discipline, confidence, resilience, empathy, and creativity while reminding them of their worth and potential,” she said.

At the centre of the book lies a deeper philosophical message reflected in its title, The Rise and Fall of Rhymes and Rhythms, which the author says mirrors the realities of life itself.

“The title reflects the emotional journeys that exist between life’s beginnings and endings,” she explained.

“Every experience, whether joyful or difficult, contributes to wisdom, character, and emotional growth.”

As conversations around children’s emotional development continue to evolve globally, Akinse’s work reinforces the growing belief that books can still shape society in profound ways.

More importantly, it highlights how poetry, often viewed simply as a creative art form, can become a quiet but powerful instrument for raising kinder, more emotionally aware, and compassionate future generations.

By Queen Phillips

How poetry is helping raise emotionally intelligent children

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