The Benefits of Social-Emotional Learning
Children come into this world as members of families and cultures. It is through these groups that they learn the different social and emotional skills needed to connect and thrive. As parents, it is important to understand and recognize that children are learning social and emotional competence as they progress all throughout childhood and its developmental stages. Let’s examine what social-emotional learning is and how it can benefit your child.
What is Social-Emotional Learning?
Social-emotional learning (SEL) represents the presence of satisfying interactions, having a comfortable self-image and being able to match and manage your emotional and social responses to what's going on in the environment. A child’s social-emotional development provides them with a sense of who they are in the world, how they learn, and helps them establish quality relationships with others.
Home and school are the primary places where students learn social and emotional skills, as parents want their children to develop behaviors and characteristics to be successful in school and in the community. For children to develop the basic skills they need, such as cooperation, following directions, demonstrating self-control, and paying attention, they must have social-emotional skills.
These skills can be taught, modeled, and practiced and lead to positive student outcomes that are important for success in school and in life.
Developing Social-Emotional Skills
As parents, you are the major influence in helping your child develop the five key skills that facilitate social-emotional development: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision making. Let’s discuss what makes up these key skills:
(1) Self-Awareness
Self-awareness involves understanding your emotions, personal goals, and values. It includes assessing your strengths and limitations, having positive mindsets, and possessing a sense of self and an optimistic point of view.
(2) Self-Management
Self-management requires skills and attitudes that drive the ability to regulate your emotions and behaviors. This includes the ability to delay gratification, manage stress, control impulses, and persevere through challenges to achieve personal and educational goals.
(3) Social Awareness
Social awareness involves the ability to understand, empathize, and feel compassion for those with different backgrounds or cultures. It also involves understanding social norms for behavior and recognizing family, school, and community as sources of support.
(4) Relationship Skills
Relationship skills help children establish and maintain healthy and rewarding relationships and follow established rules of behavior. These skills involve communicating clearly, listening actively, cooperating, resisting inappropriate social pressure, negotiating conflict, and seeking help when it is needed.
(5) Responsible Decision Making
Responsible decision making involves learning how to make good choices about personal behavior and social interactions in various environments. It requires the ability to consider and respect differences, safety concerns, the health and well-being of yourself and others, and to be aware of consequences.
Modeling Social-Emotional Learning at Home
The social and emotional well-being of your child is influenced by their individual personality, prior experiences, social and economic circumstances of the family, their level of dependency on other adults, and the availability of their support system. These are all determined by their home life. At home, you should strive to create an environment of trust, respect, and support. Let’s discuss how social-emotional learning can be modeled at home.
When speaking with your child, ask questions, listen actively and demonstrate good eye contact. Explain what you can in response to their questions. Validate that you see and acknowledge their feelings, fears and concerns.
Whether it's apologizing when you're wrong or treating others with respect and kindness, children learn a great deal about relationships from observing the behavior of their parents.
A child with a good sense of self is happier, more well-adjusted, and does better in school. Strategies for fostering self-esteem include giving your child responsibilities, allowing him or her to make age-appropriate choices, and showing your appreciation for a job well done.
Every child has his or her own unique talents and abilities. Whether in academics, athletics, or other areas, resist the urge to compare your child to friends or siblings. Acknowledge your child's accomplishments and provide support and encouragement when they face challenges.
Seek out the advice and support of school counselors or other social services during times of family crisis, such as a divorce or the death of a close friend or family member. Remember that no matter how close you are to your child, he or she may be more comfortable discussing a troubling family situation with another trusted adult.
Remember that as parents, you must take care of yourself, even when it feels like the last thing you can do right now. Social emotional learning (SEL) strengthens us as individuals and as communities, especially during uncertain times. When we practice and build our skills, we are better equipped to navigate stressors, anxieties, and challenges.
Here at Mathnasium, we care about your child’s emotional wellbeing as much as their math skills. We want children to be assured, confident, and capable. Our program is designed to help build their confidence, and improve their overall mental health and wellbeing, through math success.
For more information about our individualized math instruction for grades 2-12, contact us today by phone or reach out to us online to sign up for your child’s free assessment.
(303) 979-9077
(303) 979-9077
