MINDFULNESS - being able to be in the present moment, reducing distractions, and being able to focus on how you feel at any given time. Practicing mindfulness can decrease stress, increase self-awareness, develop emotional expression and understanding, and effectively handle difficult or unpleasant experiences. It can be the foundation for developing positive relationships. The Relax Kids freepack for Families provides 21 days worth of activities, strategies and suggestions for developing mindfulness, relaxation skills and general emotional resilience. www.relaxkids.com (I will provide the link when they've completed the update!)
EMPOWER - being given opportunities to practice emotional resilience - rather than being overly-protected and sheltered - through difficult periods and proud moments, stressful situations and experiences, will ultimately develop emotional resilience in children. The Australian National Early Years Learning Framework is underpinned by the principles: Being, Belonging and Becoming - the ultimate in empowering the young child. This EYLF guide for families explains. KidsMatter is an Australian Mental Health and Wellbeing initiative supporting children. These Family Information Sheets from http://www.kidsmatter.edu.au/ discuss ways families can support emotional and social learning. Other really insightful articles and learning sheets for families can be found at Family Tools on the website for the Center for Social and Emotional Foundations for Learning (CSEFEL).
MODEL - demonstrate your own steps to getting through any given situation. Use the steps when a child is requiring support. Modelling the words, the body language, the actions and steps for being empathic will lead to the development of the various elements that make up emotional resilience. Modelling can also be peer to peer, as well as adult to child and adult to adult. See the 'Back-Pack' series (and link below) for examples of modelling.
EXPRESS - verbally (spoken words) and/or non-verbally (images, actions, body language) are the communication tools required for expressing emotions, demonstrating empathy, sharing experiences.This really insightful article from Vanderbilt University provides some strategies, language, and real-life situations that you can use to encourage your child to recognise and express emotions: Teaching your Child to Identify and Express Emotions.
This parent support 'Back-Pack' series from TACSEI (Technical Assistance Centre on Social and Emotional Intervention) has a section devoted to Emotions and Social Skills, but all four sections are worth looking through. Strategies to use at home and in collaboration with your child's learning environment are provided in many different aspects.
