08/12/2025
Back-to-School SEL Boost: 5 Practices for Parents to Help Kids Thrive This Year 📚💬
A new school year brings excitement, change, and sometimes a few jitters—for kids and parents. Now’s the perfect time to strengthen Social & Emotional Learning (SEL) at home, so your child starts the year feeling confident, connected, and ready to learn.
1️⃣ Morning “Feelings Check-Ins”
Make emotional awareness part of your routine. Over breakfast or on the way to school, ask:
• “What’s your mood today?”
• “What’s one thing you’re looking forward to?”
2️⃣ Practice “What-If” Scenarios
Before the first day, talk through common school situations:
• “What if someone is sitting where you want to sit?”
• “What if you feel nervous before a presentation?”
This builds problem-solving and emotional regulation skills.
3️⃣ End the Day with “Rose, Thorn, Bud”
At dinner or bedtime, share:
• Rose 🌹: Best moment of the day
• Thorn 🌵: Most challenging moment
• Bud 🌱: Something you’re excited about tomorrow
It helps kids reflect, process, and find the positive.
4️⃣ Create a Calm-Down Plan
Talk about strategies your child can use at school if they feel upset—deep breathing, counting to 10, or asking for a break. Practice them at home so they feel natural.
5️⃣ Model the Mindset You Want to See
Show curiosity about learning, manage stress out loud (“I’m taking a deep breath before I answer this email”), and celebrate effort over perfection.
💡 Why It Matters:
Strong SEL skills help kids navigate friendships, handle stress, and stay engaged in learning—setting them up for success all year long.
Here’s to a year of growth, confidence, and kindness. 🌟