Social Emotional Learning for Littles

Three of my favorite tools for parents of littles when teaching social emotional learning skills are modeling, reading. and encouraging. All three are easy to wrap into the daily routine for toddlers, preschoolers, and elementary-age children. Within the context of modeling, reading, and encouraging, identify the emotions to help your child put a name to what he’s feeling. Here are a few tips to incorporate these tools into your child’s day.

Modeling
Young kids mimic the people they spend the most time with throughout the day. It’s a big responsibility, but Mom and Dad, you are your child’s number one influencer. Your actions and speech guide your child. Typically, actions speak louder than words. Make good choices in how you relate to others. Keep emotions in check to teach your child how to do the same. Handle stress, anger, and fear with appropriate coping strategies to provide a model for your child to do the same.

Reading
Use story time as a launch pad for talking about emotions. There are a number of really great books for children related to social emotional learning (SEL). I highly encourage parents to read books prior to sharing them with children to assess if the content is appropriate. Not all children’s books will align with your family’s morals and values. Try these titles to get started:
What am I Feeling?  by Dr. Josh and Christi Straub
Mad Isn’t Bad: A Child’s Book About Anger   by Michaelene Mundy
The Way I Feel   by Janan Cain
God Cares How I Feel  by Jana White

Encouraging
Praise is a terrific way to reinforce kind, calm, and appropriate behavior. “Catch kids being good” is a great tagline for parenting in general. Praise the positive, redirect the negative. Kids are often looking for a response. When the reaction for positive behavior is praise, a high-five, or a big hug, kids will aim for better behavior. When the response to negative behavior is minimal or quietly negative, children learn to opt for a big response with better behavior.

Read more about social emotional learning in these related posts: 
Social Emotional Learning
Making Friends (book list included)

And as you wish that others would do to you,
do so to them.
Luke 6:31

© 2023 Becky Danielson. All rights reserved.

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