Sometimes it's hard to talk about emotions. These tips can get you started.
Self-awareness is knowing your emotions, strengths and challenges, and how your emotions affect your behavior and decisions.
"I was very proud of you when your teacher told me you behaved so well in class. How does that make you feel?"
"It can be frustrating when that toy falls apart, can’t it? I get frustrated sometimes too. Let’s see if we can fix it together."
"If you need help, say, ‘Help,’ and I’ll be there to jump in."
"You tried really hard" or "I like how you didn’t give up" or "I could tell you were trying your best," rather than "you did well."
Self-management is controlling emotions and the behaviors they spark in order to overcome challenges and pursue goals.
"Please put your toys in the red bin, and your book on the shelf so that you will be able to find them easily and your room will look nice and clean. Thank you for being so helpful!"
The ability to interact meaningfully with others and to maintain healthy relationships with diverse individuals and groups contributes to overall success.
You can ask them, "Did you make any new friends at school?" or "Did you share your toys with your friend Freddy today?" or "Why did you get upset with your sister? How do you think that made her feel?"
Try "Freddy may not want to be your friend today, but give him some time, and if he doesn’t want to play with you, ask him why. If he is still not being nice to you, why don’t you play with your other friend Andy instead?"
You can say, "When I ask you to help me pick up your toys, I trust that you will do it," or, "When I drop you off at school, you can trust that I will come and get you every day."
If you ask them, and they say no, you can say, "It’s important for you tell me the truth and I promise that I will not get angry with you." You can add, "trust is when I ask a question and you are honest, and tell me what really happened."
"Why do you think your sister got upset when you called her a name? How did that make her feel? Do you think you should say sorry to her? What can you do next time so that you don’t make her mad?"
Responsible decision-making is the ability to make choices that are good for you and for others. It is also taking into account your wishes and the wishes of others.
"Do you want carrots or broccoli with dinner tonight?" instead of, "What vegetable do you want?" You’re allowing a choice, but both choices have outcomes you’d like.
You can tell them, "Do you see that security officer here in the mall? You can go to him for help if you get lost. Do you see that police station here by the park? If we ever get separated, they can help you find me."
Social Awareness
Social awareness is understanding and respecting the perspectives of others, and applying this knowledge to social interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.
How to talk to your child about the feelings of others in real-life social interactions:
"How do you think that your friend Alice felt when you shared your favorite toy with her today?" "Why do you think she felt this way?" "How did it make you feel when we did this nice thing for her?"
How to teach your child about the value of kindness:
"I know you are mad at your friend, but how would you feel if she stole your toy?" or "It hurt your sister when you hit her, how would you feel if someone hit you?"
How to explain to your child about how they can make new friends:
"New friends like it when you smile, tell them your name, ask them how they are doing, and tell them ‘please’ and ‘thank you’"
How to talk to your child about personal space:
Ask them to stretch their arms out, and tell them, "This is your personal space. People like to have their personal space. If you get too close, they may not like it, and that’s why it’s best to keep this space between you and them."
How to remind them about appropriate behavior in different situations:
"When you are outside with friends, you can use your outside voice, but when you are in a library or a wedding, you should use your inside voice."
How to discuss similarities and differences with your child:
"In the United States, people say ‘hello’. In other cultures, like India, people bow and put hands together and say ‘namaste.’ In France, people kiss three times on the cheek."
How to talk about your own family’s traditions or history:
"Even though we all are different, we are similar in many ways. We all love our families, and like it when people are kind to us. It’s important to respect and be nice to all people, no matter where they come from or who they are."