Connecting Kids to their Sparkle

Being Neighbourly x Michelle Harris, Michelle Harris International

Author/ Being Neighbourly
11 March 2026

Empowerment for children involves nurturing their confidence, independence and decision-making skills. It encourages them to express themselves, set goals and embrace their uniqueness,” says Michelle Harris, Founder of Michelle Harris International.

In 2021, Harris created The Empowerment School, a soul education platform that brings together conscious practices for youth growth and development, teaching kids and teens how to access and embody their inner power and true selves; while her other empowering initiatives include Empowerment Dayfests for women and youth, Mum-Child Meditations, and Women’s Retreats. Harris is also the channel and founder of the Draco Dragon Healing Symbols System™ and facilitates Wellbeing and Empowerment Classes in schools, organizations and businesses.

“It’s about building self-esteem and helping kids understand that they are ‘good enough’, which is not defined by academic performance or social status. We need to validate their individuality, guide them in understanding their feelings and honour their sensitivity,” she says, adding that respecting children is an important aspect of their empowerment. “Our role is to help them self-lead, self-empower, self-soothe and self-validate, while trusting their intuition as a key tool for navigating life, alongside practical skills.”

According to Harris, it feels incredibly valuable to see growing awareness of mental health. A long-time Hong Konger who has lived in the territory for almost 30 years, she has witnessed this evolution first-hand.

Harris says she entered the healing field through her own experiences with mental health and emotional challenges and says she absolutely is living her life purpose.

“I struggled with depression, anxiety, fear and very low self-esteem, eventually hitting rock bottom. Everything changed when I was introduced to a local healer. I started meditating and began channeling healing energies and symbols. This was the start of my self-healing journey, which later led me to develop a system of healing that I now share with my clients,” she shares.

Harris says that as one of the first to introduce meditation, mindfulness and self-expression classes for kids about 20 years ago—prior to their introduction in schools—in Hong Kong, she’s, “delighted to see how these practices have become more embraced here and in the West.”

But Harris cautions that for all the progress, in Hong Kong, there can be a reluctance to admit to mental health challenges, which can hinder progress. In contrast, she says, the UK appears to have a more integrated and proactive approach.

“Following COVID-19, when mental health issues became magnified, I would say that overall discussions around mental health are becoming more normalized in schools and workplaces, making it easier for people to talk about well-being. Children’s mental health issues have always existed but were often hidden due to stigma.”

Yet, in many ways, Harris holds that things are also getting worse because of social media, and other stressors. “We still continue to see rising suicide rates in Hong Kong, where children face serious stressors, such as: academic pressure, family/parental expectations, social issues, economic pressures, the impact of social media.” She says that while social media has made mental health (and other things) more visible and encourages connection, it also fosters constant comparison, exposure to negative content and cyberbullying – exacerbating stress, anxiety and peer pressure to conform.”

On the positive side, Harris opines that there seems to be better overall care now, including the introduction of mindfulness practices in schools for example, and more mental health professionals available for kids. It’s becoming more acceptable for children to see counsellors and therapists, though there is still a pressing need for additional support.

“We are seeing an overall increase in medical professional diagnoses of neurodiverse challenges and mental health issues among kids and adults. Whilst this allows for support and self-understanding, for some the ‘label’ might also reinforce stigma, stereotype and negative perceptions.”

According to Harris, creating supportive environments at home and in schools is crucial for their mental well-being.

She says she often sees parents unintentionally projecting their own issues onto their children. “A therapist can provide objective guidance that benefits both the child and the parent. I like to support parents in their healing journeys, as this can positively impact their relationships and dynamics with their children,” she says, adding that professional support often brings a level of detachment that makes it easier for kids to accept guidance from someone outside the family. I find that providing them with understanding of their deeper blockages and creating mindset shifts empowers youth in profound ways.

Harris holds that the biggest impediment is often fear —fear of failure, judgment or not being good enough. “This fear can stifle creativity and self-expression in children. When they don’t feel free to be themselves, they may compare themselves to others, which holds them back and leaves little room for them to grow into their true potential.”

“As parents, we can start by shifting focus to happiness. Living their full potential is not just about achievements or status as the primary goal in life.”

“Without a doubt, I am doing exactly what I’m meant to do! My role includes counselling and teaching, and, this year, I’m continuing my focus on empowering youth and advocating for systemic change in education, family dynamics and society as a whole.”

Empowering children is crucial for their development and overall mental health. It lays the groundwork for their mental health and future successes.

“The best thing we can do for our kids is to be the best role models we can be. This means being our authentic selves, accepting ourselves and loving ourselves. Master your emotions, heal your own pain and childhood trauma, and lead by example. It’s also essential to practice active listening, create a safe space for expression, maintain open communication and foster resilience.”

What’s the best work advice you have received?

“The best work advice I’ve received is to trust yourself and your intuition—this message has been reinforced by several people throughout my life,” says Michelle Harris, Founder of Michelle Harris International.

“I used to doubt myself constantly; my self-belief and self-esteem were minimal, and I often felt overwhelmed by anxiety and fear. In school, when a teacher asked a question, I would blush bright red with embarrassment—I was so very shy and self-conscious!”

“Being yourself and stepping forward to share your unique voice and gifts with the world can feel daunting. However, as I learned to trust my inner voice and intuition, I found the empowerment to grow and develop confidence in my abilities. This journey helped me embrace who I am, and allowed me to create innovative, pioneering offerings that have served many people around the globe.”

“One of my favourite quotes is: ‘She believed she could, so she did.’ When you start trusting yourself and your path, your self-belief magnifies, empowering you to strengthen and elevate yourself. Belief in yourself and the Universe is incredibly powerful!”

Michelle Harris International
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