Have you ever found yourself in a situation where your child's emotions seem to be in the driver's seat, and you're left feeling helpless, not knowing how to calm them down?
It could be as simple as their favorite toy suddenly disappearing just as you're about to leave the house. Between their tears and cries (and wanting to scream yourself), you just wish you had a magic wand that could make it all stop.
If you've been there, you're definitely not alone. As a parent or caregiver, understanding and responding to your child's emotional needs is essential, but it's not always easy. What if I told you there was a way to help you and your children understand and process emotions more effectively? Allow me to introduce you to Social-Emotional Learning (SEL).
SEL programs are promising new tools for educating children on essential life skills. These programs focus on teaching children how to manage their feelings, show empathy, maintain positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and handle challenging situations constructively.
SEL educational programs focus on:
• Understanding and managing emotions
• Empathy towards others and their feelings
• Developing and maintaining positive relationships
• Making sound, responsible decisions
These skills are designed to help children (and adults) form and maintain meaningful relationships and set themselves up for success in the ever demanding and fast paced workplace of the future.
The Benefits of SEL Programs: Shaping Emotionally Intelligent Youths
Hundreds of studies have been completed analyzing the positive long term effects of SEL - with results as concrete as a long term increase in average academic performance of 13 percentile points compared to students who didn’t participate in SEL programs.
When we talk about the long-term benefits of SEL programs, what we are talking most about is fostering emotional intelligence. But what exactly does this mean?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand and manage emotions, both in ourselves and others. It also refers to our ability to care for ourselves and others in terms of our daily habits which are largely shaped by the words we use, and the actions we take on a regular basis.
• Empathy: Raising healthy, socially and emotionally intelligent kids starts with empathy and SEL programs place a strong focus on empathy. This deep understanding fosters an environment of mutual respect and kindness where contrasting feelings are accepted and treated with care.
• Resilience: Kids who are part of SEL programs develop coping mechanisms to deal with disappointments or failures, emerge from these challenges stronger, and learn how to move ahead with optimism.
SEL Programs and Emotional Regulation
Emotional outbursts are not uncommon among children. SEL programs help children identify the cause behind these outbursts and teach them effective ways to calm down.
• Emotion Identification: SEL programs often begin by teaching children to recognize and label their emotions. They might use visual aids like emotion cards or emotion charts to help kids identify what they're feeling.
• Breathing Techniques: Deep breathing exercises can be a simple yet effective method to help children calm down when they're upset.
• Emotion Thermometers: Some SEL programs use emotion thermometers, where children can point to the level of their emotional intensity. This tool helps kids track their emotions and understand when they need to implement calming strategies.
• Emotion Regulation Stories: Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching emotional regulation. SEL programs may use stories or scenarios where characters face emotional challenges and demonstrate how they regulate their feelings effectively. Children can learn by empathizing with the characters and their experiences.
• Role-Playing: Role-playing exercises allow children to practice emotional regulation in a safe environment. They can act out scenarios and explore different ways to react to specific emotional triggers.
• Guided Imagery: Guided imagery exercises involve taking children on a mental journey to a calming place in their imagination. This can be a beach, a forest, or any serene location.
• Positive Affirmations: Teaching children to use positive self-talk can be a valuable tool in emotional regulation. SEL programs may introduce children to affirmations they can repeat to themselves when feeling upset.
The Benefits of Online SEL Programs
Parents and educators alike are embracing online SEL programs and for good reasons. Here are few benefits that are prompting this shift towards digital learning:
• Flexible learning schedule: With online SEL programs, your child can learn at their own pace, anytime, and anywhere.
• Tailored learning experience: These programs often include features that adapt to a child's learning pace and style, offering a more personalized educational experience.
• At home or on-the-go. Life is hectic. You should be able to take your learning on-the-go (at school pickup, or at the dentist waiting room)
What to Look For in an Online SEL Program
Searching for an SEL program can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. So, how do you choose the best one for your child? Here are key factors to consider when making your decision:
• Scientific Basis: Look for programs that are rooted in scientific research. The theories, strategies, and exercises should have a scientific foundation and proven effectiveness in the field of child psychology and education.
• Ease of Use: The platform should be user-friendly and straightforward, even if you’re not tech-savvy. The easier it is to navigate, the more likely you are to actively use it.
• Practical Application: The program should not only impart knowledge but also offer tangible activities and exercises to apply the learning. Real-life examples and scenarios can make the teachings more relatable for kids.
• Support and Guidance: Look for programs that offer comprehensive support to its users. This could be through round-the-clock customer service, discussion forums, parent resources, or additional guides.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose an SEL program that aligns well with your own expectations.
Online SEL Programs List
A range SEL programs exist which can focus either on teaching students directly, or empowering parents and teachers to educate learners on SEL principles. We have shortlisted out top picks below:
1. Generation Mindful: Our selection of positive parenting courses are designed with SEL techniques in mind from the ground up to help parents and educators teach the latest SEL techniques to children and students. Courses include:
a.
The GENM Positive Parenting Course
b.
Reparent Yourself Masterclass Bundle
2. CASEL: The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning offers an array of evidence-based online SEL resources.
3. Panorama Education: This platform delivers research-backed SEL surveys and reports for improved student outcomes.
4. Second Step by Committee for Children: Although more appropriate for a school setting, this program delivers grade-specific SEL lessons that can help children learn empathy, emotional management, and problem-solving skills in addition to other tools supporting social-emotional learning.
SEL Programs, Emotional Education, and The Future
As we look towards the future, it's undeniable that emotional education is playing an increasingly pivotal role. From the living room to the classroom, the demand for building emotional intelligence in our young ones can't be overemphasized. Social Emotional Learning programs have stepped in to bridge this gap, serving as invaluable resources in cultivating emotional health and resilience.
Online SEL programs are transforming emotional education by equipping parents and educators with the tools to understand and manage children's emotions. These programs focus on vital skills like empathy, resilience, and emotional regulation, helping kids navigate life's challenges with grace.
