Empowering Young Minds: Bridging the Gap in Social-Emotional Learning

I'm an information junkie, always on the hunt for fascinating articles, journals, and resources that not only feed my curiosity but also resonate with EnlightenHer's mission. Diving deep into research, fact-checking sources, and exploring different perspectives is my kind of fun. It's like a treasure hunt, finding those gems that not only enlighten us but also spark meaningful conversations.

That's why I'm excited to share with you an article I recently discovered on the Katz Institute for Women's Health website, which offers info on boosting self-esteem among young girls—a topic close to our hearts here at EnlightenHer.

Read the full article here.

One standout aspect of this article is its emphasis on the importance of regular check-ins with girls to understand their mental health needs. Providing a safe place for girls to check in with a trusted adult is paramount in supporting self-esteem. This article details a process in which the school system was utilized to reach a large percentage of girls. I think this is a fantastic method and a great starting point. I love the idea of using the school systems to reach girls and provide resources about mental health but realize this allows for gaps in the homeschool community. I see a an opening for EnlightenHer here, maybe someday!

Integrating social-emotional learning into both children's education and family guidance is crucial. While looking through the links in this article I was led to the New York State's benchmarks for social-emotional learning. I was surprised to see the goal "Identify and practice self regulation skills and coping strategies that help them to express their emotions." as a benchmark aimed towards kids in late elementary. Many of the adults I know do not have the first clue at how to self regulate their emotions. Admittedly, I am still learning how to manage and soothe big emotions effectively. But, learning now as an adult how easy some of these regulation methods are, I am embarrassed that I hadn't learned to utilize them in my earlier years.

I hope to instill that while we should be teaching these methods and ideals to our children, it is even more important that we as parents take in these resources and grow ourselves. This is an important topic to us at EnlightenHer and we plan to share many resources around this topic in the future. As a starting point please see the following reference guide: "5 Easy Ways to Self-Regulate" this guide is designed especially for pre-teens but is accessible and helpful for all ages.

Downloadable PDF:

5 easy ways to self regulate.pdf

Download PDF • 1.34MB

We want to hear your take on this important topic. Share your insights in the comments:

• How do you teach your children about emotional regulation and self-awareness?

• What daily practices do you incorporate to foster social-emotional learning in your family?

• Can you share a personal story where emotional understanding significantly impacted you or your child?

Your experiences and strategies are valuable to us and our community. Thank you for joining the conversation and helping to enrich our collective journey toward nurturing resilient, emotionally intelligent young minds. REFERENCE:

“Low self-esteem is a crisis among young girls. Here’s how to help them.”

Katz Institute for Women’s Health | Vera Feuer, MD, Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

(Date Accessed 01/31/2024)