Overview and understanding of Social-Emotional Health for children and adults

These two videos give a brief overview of what Social-Emotional Health entails at each developmental stage- childhood and adulthood. There are multiple programs that can assist with growing and enhancing this often overlooked and underdeveloped aspect of health across the lifespan. Refer to the Resource section below to find programs near you. It’s never too late to learn and master this skill.

Social-Emotional Health vs. Skills- The difference between them

Techniques to understanding, identifying, and expressing your emotions

Have the younger child point to how they are feeling if they are unable to express their feelings in words.

These tools can be used with older children, adolescents, and adults. To learn how to use the Feelings Wheel, click here.

Techniques to self regulate your emotions

These skills can be used by children, teens, and adults.*

Ruler- Mood Meter

The Zones of Regulation

Be mindful of taking a proactive approach to self-regulation activities vs. reactive approach. Taking 2-5 minutes every hour to 2 hours to take a movement break helps to maintain an appropriate arousal state (green zone).

Blue Zone–

Green Zone–

Yellow Zone–

Red Zone-

Anywhere Body Break–

Other Social-Emotional Skills

These skills can be used by children, teens, and adults.*

Size of my problem vs my reaction-

Choices on how to handle problems-

Tool used from K-3rd grade

Tool used for 4-5th grade

Being a Good listener and Flexible thinker vs a Rock Brain-

Try this: Challenge kids to change something small in their day-to-day routine and/or in a game play at least twice this week to discuss the importance of continuing to be flexible.

Use a Feelings Journal-

Tips to improve your emotional health–

Other emotional regulation tips and skills–

What is your Emotional Intelligence?- Take the test. How about your Anger Management? Take the test.

National and Local Resources

National

• Websites and programs-
  • RULER– resources and trainings for parents and professionals
  • Kelso’s choice– resources and products for parents and professionals; In Spanish, click here
  • The Greenspan Floortime Approach– resources and trainings for parents and professionals; Programs are for children on the autism spectrum and those with developmental delays. It gives them the skills necessary to progress in school and in life and to be independent.
  • The Zones of Regulation– resources and trainings for parents and professionals
  • Social Thinking– resources, education, and products for parents and professionals
  • The Alert Program– self regulation program for adults, parents, and teachers
  • The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning– focused on promoting the social emotional development and school readiness of young children birth to age 5. Resources, training, and education for families, teachers/caregivers.
  • The Social Mind– provides educational resources and training opportunities for professionals and parents
  • American Heart Association– Provides information about nutrition, sleep, and meditation supporting your mental health and wellness
• Articles-
  • What is Social-Emotional Health, and How is it Different from Social-Emotional Skills?
  • Emotional Health Is Mental Health: One Aspect of Well-Being
  • Taking Charge of Our Emotional Triggers In Intense Times
  • Teaching your child to identify and express emotions
  • The caring child: How to teach empathy
• On-line videos for adults and youth
  • Dr, Jodi LaMothe– this channel is to provide lessons for social emotional learning (SEL) skills in the areas of self-management, social-awareness, self-awareness, relationships skills and responsible decision-making.
• Worksheets
  • Coping skills for anger
    • Anger Management skill cards
  • Emotion Regulation Skills

Local

• Community resources
  • 211 Colorado- 211 is a confidential and multilingual service connecting people to vital resources across the state. No matter where you live in Colorado, you can find information about resources in your local community.
• Programs-
  • Colorado Dept of Education– Social/Emotional/Behavioral Trainings and webinars offered to educators and parents
  • Children’s hospital in your area- offers multiple speech and occupational therapies that address social-emotional health, social skills, and self regulation.
• Providers/Specialists-
  • Psychology today– find a provider in your area or online who specializes in social-emotional learning and regulation