When your kiddos are small, their milestones tend to be more physical in nature: sitting, smiling, saying simple words… and as they get older, catching a ball, reading, and tying shoelaces become important. Everything in good time, right?

However, the more a child grows and begins to understand the world around them, the more complex developmental progress becomes. They start to develop an understanding of relationships, who they are, how certain things make them feel, and the consequences of their actions. And believe it mom and dad, the ability to live successfully in the “everyday”, as good and kind human beings can be taught.

If you have a school-age child at home, you’ve likely heard the buzz around social-emotional learning (SEL). SEL is about helping kids learn the skills they’ll need in everyday life. These skills include knowing how to handle their emotions, cope with stress, make decisions, and solve problems. Social-emotional skills are essential to thrive at school, work, and in life.

So mom and dad, we have a few strategies on how to boost your child’s social-emotional skills:

• Lead by example. Your child looks to you to learn how to form relationships and cope with the world around them. Use every opportunity to model appropriate behavior. Treat others with kindness, show them how you deal with the unexpected by modelling healthy and calm problem-solving skills. Show them by example how to foster healthy relationships and how to nurture emotional wellness.
• Provide a nurturing environment where they feel safe and contained. Listen to your child and validate their feelings. Expect effort, not perfection, and praise as often as you can. Let your positive comments far outweigh the negative ones.
• Allow them to make their own decisions. Encourage a healthy sense of self-esteem by giving them responsibilities and allowing them to make age-appropriate choices. This will help them feel valued, confident, and secure.
• Instill independence and adventure. Set up situations where they can do things for themselves, and then give them space. For example, show him how to make a sandwich and let him do it on his own without intervening.
• Set boundaries and be consistent. Rules give kids a sense of security and confidence. You are a parent – not a best friend. Someday when your child feels peer pressure, he will have the confidence to say: No, I can’t do that.”
• Play! Playtime isn’t goofing off. Unstructured play is essential in helping kids grow and teaching them how to work in groups, to share, negotiate, regulate their emotions, and speak up for themselves.
• Encourage sports and physical activities. This way they can learn that they can practice, improve, and achieve their goals. They learn about their strengths and weaknesses, how to handle defeat, and the importance of teamwork.

“The most important work you and I will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes” – Harold B. Lee

Source: scholastic.com, kidshealth.org, askdrsears.com, babycenter.com, independent.ie, lifehack.org, workingmother.com, todaysparent.com, schools.healthiertogether.com, businessmediamags.co.za, pathways.org, sacap.edu.za, time.com, chiildmind.org