Historically, we have seen swings in education between support for academic success and social emotional well-being as opposing focal points. It is easy to consider that the most productive approaches live somewhere in the middle. That is, it’s possible to create an environment where students can succeed in their academic pursuits while having all the necessary skill sets to take that success into their futures.
Being successful, in whichever endeavors our youth engage, is predicated by the development of social-emotional skills, resilience, and a growth-mindset. It is important to remember that this development is becoming part of their neurological architecture.
So how do we support whole-child development?
Being successful, in whichever endeavors our youth engage, is predicated by the development of social-emotional skills, resilience, and a growth-mindset. It is important to remember that this development is becoming part of their neurological architecture.
So how do we support whole-child development?
- Make space for a wide range of emotional expressions. Emotional intelligence, or the identifying and managing of a continuum of emotions, is a hallmark of youth development. Help your student put names to feelings. Ask “how are you?” first, rather than “how did you do?”.
- Allow your child to experience what I term constructive adversity. That is to say, let your student manage age appropriate, life on life’s terms difficulties so they are better equipped to be successful doing so in the future, independently, with more complex situations. Teach the value of a challenge and hard work by identifying it when you see it. “Wow, that must have been hard!”
- Help youth differentiate between pride and arrogance. Be mindful of systems/structures that support the latter. Arrogance is rarely seen as a resume builder! Help students understand success is different than winning.
- Encourage activities that support belonging vs. just participation. Emotional connections and community provide a foundation for compassion and inclusion.
- Normalize the idea of need as a universal experience. This allows youth to more easily ask for help when needed and find empathy for others when they see it.
- Help students develop internal validation systems. Example: “you worked hard on that” vs. “that is beautiful”. It is the development of internal worth and esteem that will support their success. Not to say we cannot voice pride in their efforts.
- Practice gratitude as an action. Being of service to others is a profound developmental experience. Support volunteer opportunities to give back to the community.