Social and Emotional Health Assets

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.