When 12-year-old Varun started dreading his math test, it wasn’t just his teacher who noticed—it was Ms. Khanna, the school counselor. She didn’t hand him extra worksheets. Instead, she listened. Taught him how to breathe deeply, plan his study time, and believe in himself. The result? Varun rediscovered his confidence—and even started enjoying math again.

This is the new face of mentorship in India’s schools: empathetic, psychology-informed, child-first.

From Pressure to Support

Let’s be honest: for too long, school has meant pressure—marks, competition, expectations. But change is coming. The NEP 2020 and a growing chorus of educators say: mental health matters. In fact, research shows that less than 3% of Indian private schools had trained counselors. No wonder exam stress runs high (Auditing for Empathy – Education.SouthAsia).

Now, more schools are hiring counselors and child psychologists who focus on well-being, not just academics. They help anxious kids open up. Teach shy ones to speak. Guide teachers to see beyond marks. It’s no longer just about what children learn—but how they feel while learning.

Emotional Intelligence in the Classroom

Psychology-trained mentors help children grow on the inside:

• A worried child learns to manage fears with mindfulness breaks

• A language class turns into a safe space for diary-writing and expression

• Role-playing in social studies teaches conflict resolution and empathy

• “Circle time” in class helps kids share what they’re grateful for

This is Social Emotional Learning (SEL) in action—and it works. Studies show that students with strong emotional skills are more focused, better teammates, and more resilient (Uphill Education Report).

In some schools, even principals are doing “Empathy Audits” to track how children feel in hallways, classrooms, even during lunch. Small shifts—more praise, softer tones, active listening—make a big difference.

Teachers as Mentors, Not Just Lecturers

The NEP’s teacher training upgrades now include child psychology and developmental understanding. Teachers are learning to spot learning challenges early, adapt styles to different learners, and build trust.

Imagine a classroom where your child feels seen—not just as a student, but as a growing, feeling human being. That’s what mentor-teachers offer.

Your Role as a Parent

• You don’t need to be a psychologist to make a difference.

• Ask your school: Do you have a counselor or trained mentor?

• Encourage your child to talk about emotions, not just grades

• Partner with mentors—ask what your child needs to thrive

• If your school lacks SEL programs or a counselor, advocate for one. Many have hired staff simply because parents pushed for it.

Who was your “Ms. Khanna” growing up?

👉 Think back to a teacher or adult who truly understood you—not just your marks, but your mood. What if every child had someone like that? At Wizkids Gurukul, we believe mentorship isn’t optional—it’s essential. Let’s champion empathy in every classroom.

Want to start? Ask your child today: “What made you feel happy—or worried—at school this week?” That one question could be your doorway into mentorship.