Author: Indri Savitri, S.Psi, M.Psi, Psychologist, Child Psychotherapist
Children today tend to be more individualistic, closely attached to gadgets, and significantly influenced by social media content. As Millennial and Gen Z parents raising Generation Alpha kids, it’s essential to foster your child’s social and emotional intelligence (SEL). It not only shapes a child’s character but also prepares them to face 21st-century challenges.
At Inspirasi Schools, the SEL curriculum is implemented to support children’s development. However, parental involvement at home is crucial to reinforce these lessons. Below are some practical steps you can take:
- Recognizing and Naming Emotions
Children need to learn to identify and name the emotions they experience. For example, when a child feels angry, help them name the emotion by saying, “You seem angry. Can you tell me what you’re feeling?” This approach helps children better understand and manage their emotions.
Practical Tips:
- Use emotion charts or flashcards to help children identify different feelings.
- Make “How are you feeling today?” a part of your daily routine.
- Pay close attention to your child’s behaviour to gain insight into their emotions and thoughts. Strive to be a sensitive and empathetic parent.
- Active Listening
Listening attentively is a critical SEL skill. Teach your child to listen without interrupting and model this behavior by giving your full attention when they speak.
Practical Tips:
- When your child wants to talk, say, “I’m listening now. Tell me what’s on your mind.”
- Role-play scenarios to demonstrate the difference between good and poor listening.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making
Help children learn critical thinking skills by encouraging them to address challenges. When they face a difficult situation, guide them toward finding a solution rather than giving them the answers.
Example:
If your child spills water on the floor, first help them calm down, then ask, “What can we do to clean this up?”
Practical Tips:
- Use daily activities, like planning a family event, to practice decision-making skills.
- Offer positive reinforcement when they solve problems effectively, such as saying, “You did a great job sharing your toys with your sibling!”
- Creating a Positive Home Environment
A safe and positive home environment nurtures children’s social and emotional development. Avoid excessive criticism and focus on positive reinforcement for their achievements.
Practical Tips:
- Create a loving home by making agreements together with your child.
- Use encouraging language, such as, “I’m proud of how you handled that challenge.”
- Establish a structured daily routine to help your child feel secure and know what to expect.
- Teaching Empathy
Empathy is a vital component of SEL. It is the ability to understand others’ feelings. Use stories or daily experiences to teach your child to be caring and compassionate.
Practical Tips:
- Read books that teach empathy and discuss the characters’ emotions.
- Encourage your child to assist younger siblings with simple activities like playing or tidying up toys.
- Spend time sharing stories, emotions, and experiences to help them express empathy appropriately.
By implementing these steps at home, you can help your children grow into confident, empathetic, and adaptable individuals. SEL not only builds character but also equips them to become thoughtful global citizens. Let’s start small to create meaningful changes in our children’s lives.
