Myths about emotional learning
Social-emotional learning (SEL) skills are an important for children to learn for their all-round well-being. Let’s look at some myths:
Myth 1: Social-emotional learning only teaches kids about feelings.
Fact: Emotional intelligence (the ability to be smart about feelings) is only one of many parts of SEL. It can help develop skills from coping to decision-making.
Myth 2: SEL skills aren’t as important as hard skills.
Fact: Social-emotional skills are often referred to as “soft skills” or “people skills”. They allow us to work well with others, communicate, problem-solve, and be empathetic.
Myth 3: Kids learn social-emotional skills automatically.
Fact: People aren’t born knowing how to manage emotions or problem-solve. They are learned over time and with social interactions.
Myth 4: There is only one way to teach it.
Fact: Every child learns differently many families have different cultures. Teachers design SEL lessons to be applied by all.
Myth 5: SEL is only for kids with behavioural issues.
Fact: SEL is for all kids and adults. We all continue to grow, learn and develop these skills throughout our lives.
Everyone needs to know how to recognize challenges and ask for help when needed. It’s important to teach these skills to kids so they can thrive in school, at home, and in the future.
Source: Reading Rockets
Parkinson’s and parenting
Parkinson’s is often known as a family affair because it changes life for everyone within the family, including the children. It’s often assumed to be associated with older adults but the reality is that 5-10% of the people living with PD are under 50.
Your feelings regarding your children may range over time from a sense of calm and confidence to worry and anxiety. Supporting your children will require preparation, awareness of the age, stage and personality of your children as well as acceptance of your limitations. PD also gives a unique opportunity to teach your children to create and cherish time together.
Research into the impact of Parkinson’s Disease on children is still very new. We are starting to learn more about children’s unique needs and how those needs may change as PD progresses. Not much is written about the coping strategies, needs, or concerns of children of people with Parkinson’s. When they experience parental illness may have unique needs as a result of the course the illness took. We know, that regardless of age, our children want more information early on about PD. A better understanding of the condition can help alleviate some of the fear and distress.
No one welcomes the changes PD brings, yet hidden within the losses and challenges is the potential for unexpected positive growth and development.
Source: Parkinson’s BC
Life skills through play
When it comes to building a big heart, empathy, and caring, play can be a powerful tool. Starting from infancy, parents can support their child’s emotional and social development by engaging in activities that promote kindness, sharing, and understanding. For example, simple games like peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek can teach infants that people and objects exist even when they cannot see them, fostering trust and a sense of security.
Toddlers can learn to share toys and take turns in games, while preschoolers can practice empathy by playing with dolls or stuffed animals and imagining how they might feel in different situations. As children grow older, their capacity for understanding and compassion increases, and parents can continue to encourage these qualities through play. Board games and team sports can teach important skills like cooperation, communication, and problem-solving, while creative activities like drawing, painting, and writing can provide a safe outlet for self-expression and emotional processing.
Parents can also model kindness and empathy in their behaviour, showing their children how to treat others with respect and compassion. In a world where complex issues like inequality, injustice, and environmental degradation are becoming increasingly urgent, raising empathetic and caring children is more important than ever. By using play to build important life skills like flexible thinking, concentration, and kindness, parents can help lay the groundwork for a more resilient and compassionate future.
Source: Healthy Children
