Social and emotional learning doesn’t stop when students leave the building. In fact, some of the most powerful SEL moments happen during everyday family interactions. Here’s how you can help parents and caregivers reinforce these vital skills at home.
Create Emotional Check-in Routines
One of the simplest yet most effective ways families can support SEL is through regular emotional check-ins. Offer parents these helpful ideas:
- Start the day with a quick “feelings forecast”: Ask children how they’re feeling and what kind of day they expect to have
- Use dinner time for “rose and thorn” conversations where each family member shares one good thing and one challenging thing from their day
- Create a bedtime routine of talking about how their emotions may have changed throughout the day
Practice Problem-Solving Together
When challenges arise, parents can:
- Help children identify the problem
- Brainstorm possible solutions together
- Consider the potential consequences of each solution
- Choose and implement the best option
- Reflect on how it worked
This process helps children develop critical thinking skills while learning to manage difficulties independently.
Celebrate Growth and Effort
Encourage families to:
- Notice and acknowledge when children use SEL skills
- Share specific observations about their child’s progress
- Create family traditions that celebrate personal growth
- Model self-reflection and learning from mistakes
Transform Daily Tasks into Learning Moments
Help parents recognize that everyday activities provide natural opportunities for SEL practice:
During grocery shopping, children can practice decision-making by weighing options and budgeting. While cooking together, families can work on following directions, showing patience, and cooperating. Even household chores can become lessons in responsibility and task management.
BONUS: Offer these family activities to boost skills even more.
Build Emotional Vocabulary at Home
Families can strengthen emotional awareness by:
- Naming emotions they observe in books, TV shows, or family members
- Creating an “emotions word wall” in their home
- Playing emotion charades or other feelings-based games
- Using “I feel” statements during family discussions
Foster Open Communication
To maintain consistency between program and home:
- Share weekly SEL themes with families
- Provide simple activity suggestions that align with current lessons
- Create opportunities for parents to share their successes and challenges
- Offer regular tips through newsletters or text messages
Build on Cultural Strengths
- Help families identify how their cultural traditions already support SEL
- Celebrate the unique ways different cultures teach social skills
- Recognize that storytelling, music, and cultural celebrations often naturally incorporate SEL elements
- Appreciate that family structures and roles vary across cultures
Remember: Small Moments Matter
Remind parents that SEL doesn’t require elaborate activities or dedicated “learning time.” The most impactful moments often happen during casual conversations, daily routines, and natural life experiences. By staying present and engaged, families can turn everyday interactions into powerful learning opportunities.
Next Steps
Consider sharing a handout for families. Include specific examples and conversation starters they can use immediately. Remember to emphasize that every family’s approach will look different, and that’s okay. The goal is to help parents feel confident in supporting their child’s social and emotional development in ways that feel natural and sustainable for their unique situation.
