Social Emotional Learning for Teens: Teaching the Joy of Giving and Receiving This Holiday Season

The holiday season provides a natural opportunity to nurture social emotional learning (SEL) for teens, particularly when practices are neurodiversity-affirming and inclusive. By focusing on strengths, individual preferences, and emotional well-being, we can support teens in learning empathy, self-advocacy, and gratitude while reducing stress and pressure. Understanding SEL for Neurodivergent Teens Teenagers often navigate a […]

Social and Emotional Skills for Preschoolers: Supporting Big Feelings in Little Ones

As parents and caregivers, it’s easy to focus on the physical milestones preschoolers achieve, like learning to ride a tricycle or tie their shoes. But their social and emotional growth is just as critical, even if it’s harder to see. Learning to recognize emotions, manage them, and build self-awareness sets the stage for lifelong success. […]

Parenting Tips to Help Your Teen Through Big Emotions: A Guide to Understanding and Support

If you’re navigating the emotional ups and downs of raising a teen, you’re not alone. Trust me, as a mom of two teen boys both navigating ADHD, anxiety, and the whirlwind of adolescence I can tell you firsthand that this phase is as much a rollercoaster for us parents as it is for them.   […]

Top 10 Social and Emotional Learning Activities for Classroom Success: A roundup of engaging activities that promote SEL in schools

In today’s fast-changing schools, teaching students about social and emotional learning (SEL) is key. SEL helps them learn important life skills like knowing themselves, understanding others, and making healthy choices. Let’s dive into 10 SEL activities that can be easily embedded into the classroom. These activities make learning fun and help students grow in all […]

Effective Parenting: Nurturing Social-Emotional Skills Through Positive Discipline

Have you ever found yourself in a battle of wills with your child over something as simple as picking up toys? You’ve asked—maybe once, maybe ten times—and instead of compliance, you’re met with resistance. Your frustration builds, and, before you know it, your child is just as angry as you are. Sound familiar?     Moments […]

Building Social Emotional Skills: A Parent’s Journey

Have you ever found yourself in a battle of wills with your child over something as simple as picking up toys? You’ve asked—maybe once, maybe ten times—and instead of compliance, you’re met with resistance. Your frustration builds, and, before you know it, your child is just as angry as you are. Sound familiar?     Moments […]

Screen Time and Neurodivergent Kids: Tips for Balance and Emotional Wellness

Navigating screen time is a priority for many parents, especially those raising neurodivergent children with ADHD symptoms, autism, or anxiety. While screens can offer valuable tools for learning and connection, finding a balance is essential for emotional well-being, executive functioning, and social development. Let’s explore how to model healthy habits, craft family plans, and leverage […]

The Role of Social and Emotional Learning in Mental Health: Exploring how SEL activities can improve mental well-being in children and teens.

As we explore the development of child and adolescence it’s important for us to talk about social and emotional learning (SEL) and the impact it can have on helping them thrive. SEL activities support the growth of emotional intelligence and self-awareness and so many more skills related to navigating social situations, emotions, academics and overall […]

The Impact of Social and Emotional Learning Activities on Academic Performance: Research and evidence linking SEL activities to improved learning outcomes.

Did you know that students who take part in social and emotional learning (SEL) programs see a big boost in their grades? They can gain up to an 11-percentile-point in their academic scores. This shows how important it is to teach life skills that go beyond just books and tests. By teaching children to understand […]

Supporting the Mental Health and Well-Being of Parents: Tips and Resources

The U.S. Surgeon General recently highlighted the importance of parental mental health, emphasizing that taking care of yourself is essential to raising emotionally healthy children. This is especially critical for parents managing the extra stress of raising neurodivergent children.  Prioritizing your own mental well-being not only helps you cope with challenges but also fosters a […]