Academics are important ... there is no question about that! But what if we are so busy pressuring our children to be reading and writing at a certain time, and working hard to get into the best colleges ... and somehow we are losing sight of the most important knowledge that they need. What if we are so busy focusing on the right but wrong things. Yes! School is important. As a teacher and parent, I can say that 1000%. But as a teacher and parent (and also an author), I can say that our children's mental health, emotional health, spiritual health, and physical health ... are equally important if not more.
I often refer to the line that they say when you are on an airplane. In case of an accident, "Put your own mask on before you can help someone else." I think this can be compared perfectly to the benefits and necessity of Social Emotional Learning. Before a child can give their all to Language Arts and Math, Science and Social Studies .. they need to be able to focus and have a clear mind. And how do they get that?
When we teach our children skills of how to quiet their mind and be calm, of how to stop and breath before they react ... we are teaching them skills that can be used in life as well as the classroom.
Make sure to check out our feature in the International Business Times as they discuss the importance of Social Emotional Learning.
We must prioritize the child as a whole and nurture their emotional, spiritual, physical, and academic side. When we focus on the child's complete well-being, we are creating a brighter future for us all.
The full article can be found by clicking here.