via GIPHY

It is a fact that incorporating social-emotional learning (SEL) at home can yield fantastic results. Social emotional learning can improve your child’s ability to regulate emotions and thoughts, which we know helps to improve outcomes for kids.  

1. Support Positive Body Image: self-love and self-esteem are so important for kids. When discussing body image with children it is important to stress what is “healthy”. When it comes to physical activity and nutrition, children should not have goals of losing weight or cutting calories (Unless directed by your child’s doctor) https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/developing-and-supporting-positive-body-image 
2. Create a Calm Down Corner: Having a go-to space where children can feel safe and recognize their emotions is an important way to help them learn how to self-regulate. For example, kids can draw or color a picture when they feel upset to help them bring their emotions down. https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/calm-down-corner    
3. Capture Your Community: By creating self-expression projects that are visually beautiful, kids can ensure that their creativity is communicated and support pride in themselves. And when done through the lens of a peer leadership project, it allows us the opportunity to create something new, meaningful, and beautiful for our community. https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/capture-your-community    
4. Write in a Daily Journal Together: Research shows that using journals regularly helps children process their emotions and learn conflict resolution techniques. Make time to provide children with a safe outlet for their thoughts and feelings. https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/journaling-and-reflective-writing 
5. Take a ‘Dance’ Brain Break: Start with a song that is good for shaking it out. Music has been shown to decrease stress and increase memory recall. Find a song you like, or just let your mind dance on the thought of that song. Brain Breaks are active pauses in instruction to promote learning while providing creativity, leadership, and bonding among children. https://www.actionforhealthykids.org/activity/brain-breaks-for-testing/   

One of the biggest benefits of social-emotional learning (SEL) is that it goes beyond academics and into the realm of core personal characteristics, such as self-confidence, motivation, empathy, and resilience. These are the traits that help a child succeed not only in school but throughout life.