Last night, the local school district sponsored an event about Social and Emotional Health Assets that resonated with me as an early childhood educator, as well as a parent of elementary school-aged children. When I chatted with the people sitting next to me, I realized that the messages from the presentation also applied to parents of teens, young adults, and even adults. Rarely do I attend a meeting where strategies transcend such a wide span of ages - the evening left me feeling energized with new ideas.
The speaker, Clay Roberts, discussed the importance of Social and Emotional Health Assets - both external and internal assets - that are critical for a child's mental well being. The greater number of these assets a child is exposed to during his/her childhood, the less likely he/she is to participate in risky behaviors and the more likely he/she is to become a positive member of society with a strong foundation of moral character.
This list of assets is not my own, rather the compilation of a variety of researchers of social and emotional health programs.
As you read through this list, ask yourself:
- which of these assets were paramount in my own upbringing?
- which of these assets were paramount in my own upbringing and I am focusing on as a parent myself?
- which of these assets were not paramount in my own upbringing but are important to me as a parent myself?
- which of these assets are my strengths as a parent?
- which of these assets would I like to improve on? (and what are some ways that I can make that happen?)
Children become socially, emotionally strong and capable when they:
Experience high levels of support from a variety of institutions and individuals including:
- loving, supportive families
- other adult relationships (think of it as other parents looking out for your child as if he/she were their own)
- caring neighborhood
- caring school environment
- youth programs
- faith community
Feel empowered, valued, and capable as a result of experiencing:
- a community that values youth
- being treated as a resource
- providing service to others
- feeling safe
Have clear and logical consequences and are surrounded by people who have appropriately high expectations for them. These boundaries and expectations include:
- family, school, and neighborhood boundaries
- adult role models
- positive peer influence (are your child's friends good for them?)
- high expectations
- worthy challenges
Have a range of social skills and attitudes that allows him/her to function successfully in a variety of social settings, including:
- making and keeping friends
- peaceful conflict resolution
- acceptance and tolerance
- planning and decision making
- cultural competence
- resistance skills (knowing how to say 'no' without losing relationships)
- social awareness and advocacy
Possess a number of core positive values that serve as a moral compass and guide their life choices:
integrity / courage / caring / honesty / responsibility / restraint / equity and social justice / fairness / respect
Possess the insight and skills to achieve and maintain a healthy and stable emotional state:
- emotional awareness
- sympathy and empathy
- self-management
- anger management and self-control
- self-aware and self reliant
Possess the attitudes and beliefs that better ensure long term success in school and life (i.e. a positive identity):
- resourcefulness
- grit (the ability to positively deal with "crap") and perseverance
- sense of purpose
- self-reliance
- passion
- growth mindset
- positive view of future
- creativity
For more information, check out the full presentation slideshow here.
