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Supporting Children's Mental Wellness Through SEL During Mental Health Awareness Month

Reviewed by Rajini D, M.Sc. SLP (AIISH)··6 min read
TL;DR — May is Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of mental wellness for all ages, including children. By integrating Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) into daily routines, families can support children's emotional development, helping them manage stress and build resilience. Engage with practices like mindfulness, gratitude journaling, and reading SEL-focused stories to nurture your child's mental wellness.
Family practicing mindfulness together in a cozy living room, promoting mental wellness.
📘 Part of our complete guide to Awareness Months: A Year-Round SEL Calendar for Families

Why May Matters

May is celebrated as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to understanding and promoting mental wellness. While the focus often skews toward adults, it's essential to bring children into this conversation. Mental health impacts individuals of all ages, and fostering a supportive environment from a young age can lead to healthier emotional development. This article is part of our complete guide to Awareness Months: A Year-Round SEL Calendar for Families, which explores how families can engage with these important observances.

Mental Health Awareness Month provides an opportunity to enhance our children's emotional and social skills through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL). This serves as a foundation for building resilience and understanding one's own emotions, which are crucial for lifelong mental wellness.

Family practicing mindfulness together in a cozy living room, promoting mental wellness.

Mental Wellness vs. Mental Illness — The SEL Distinction

Understanding the difference between mental wellness and mental illness is crucial. Mental wellness refers to the state of being in which an individual can cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their community. On the other hand, mental illness encompasses conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behavior 1.

SEL focuses on enhancing mental wellness by teaching children how to manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. These competencies are outlined by the CASEL framework and have been shown to improve both social and emotional development 3.

In my practice, I've seen how families who integrate SEL into their daily routines notice significant improvements in their children's ability to manage stress and express their emotions more clearly. For example, one family began using daily emotion check-ins, which transformed their evening routines from chaotic to calm as children became more adept at vocalizing their feelings.

5 Daily Practices That Protect Kids' Mental Wellness

Incorporating SEL into daily routines can have a profound impact on children's mental wellness. Here are five practices to consider:

  1. Morning Mindfulness: Start the day with a few minutes of mindfulness. This could be simple breathing exercises or a short family meditation session.
  2. Emotion Check-Ins: Create a routine where each family member shares how they're feeling. Use a feelings chart to help children articulate their emotions.
  3. Gratitude Journals: Encourage children to write or draw about things they're grateful for each day. This practice fosters positive thinking and emotional resilience.
  4. SEL Story Time: Include stories that highlight SEL themes. Books and social stories like Expressing Our Feelings Positively - Social Story PDF can be very effective.
  5. Evening Reflection: Spend a few minutes reflecting on the day's events, discussing what went well and what could be improved.

Family practicing morning mindfulness together, setting a positive tone for the day.

Worked Example: Morning Mindfulness

Imagine starting your day with a simple mindfulness exercise. Gather your family in a quiet room. Have everyone close their eyes and take deep breaths together. You might say, "Let's breathe in deeply, hold it for a moment, and breathe out slowly." This sets a positive tone for the day and helps children learn to center themselves.

Worked Example: Emotion Check-Ins

Picture this: It's dinner time, and the family gathers around the table. Each person takes a turn sharing their high and low points of the day. This simple act of sharing allows children to practice articulating their emotions and fosters a supportive environment. It encourages active listening and empathy, key components of SEL.

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When 'Normal Worry' Becomes Something More

Children naturally experience worries and fears as they grow. However, it's important to recognize when regular concerns escalate into something requiring additional support. Signs might include persistent sadness, withdrawal from activities, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns 2.

In my practice, I've observed that children often express their worries indirectly. For instance, a child might say, "I don't want to go to school," when they're anxious about a test. Creating an open dialogue where children feel safe to express their fears can make a significant difference. An example involved a young boy who began showing reluctance to attend soccer practice. Through open conversations, his parents discovered he was worried about a perceived lack of skill compared to his peers, allowing them to address these fears directly.

Books for Mental Wellness Conversations by Age

Reading together is a powerful way to open up conversations about emotions and mental wellness. Here are some book suggestions tailored to different age groups:

  • Preschoolers: "The Color Monster" by Anna Llenas
  • Elementary School: "When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry..." by Molly Bang
  • Tweens: "Inside Out and Back Again" by Thanhha Lai

These books can help children understand and articulate their feelings, providing a gateway to more profound discussions.

Consider a book like "The Color Monster," which uses colors to help young children identify their emotions. The book's vibrant illustrations and simple language make it accessible to preschoolers, while older children can engage in deeper discussions about how emotions manifest in different situations.

Infographic showing stages of evening reflection for family discussions.

Talking to Your Pediatrician — When

While SEL practices are vital, there are times when professional guidance is necessary. If you notice persistent changes in your child's mood or behavior, it may be time to consult with your pediatrician. They can offer insights or refer you to a specialist if needed.

Remember, reaching out for help is a strength, not a weakness. It's part of responsible decision-making to ensure your child receives the support they need. For instance, a family I worked with noticed their daughter was unusually withdrawn and not engaging with her friends. After consulting their pediatrician, they were able to connect with a counselor who helped her navigate these feelings.

Free Download: Family Wellness Check-In Tracker

To help monitor your family's mental wellness, consider using a Family Wellness Check-In Tracker. This tool can facilitate regular discussions about emotions and help identify patterns in mood and behavior. Download our free tracker to get started on creating a more emotionally aware household.

References

  1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental Health Awareness Month. Retrieved from nami.org
  2. Mental Health America. (n.d.). Mental Health Month. Retrieved from mhanational.org
  3. Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (n.d.). What is the CASEL Framework? Retrieved from casel.org
  4. Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.

Try It This Week

Reading is the easy part. Skills build through small, repeated practice — here's a low-pressure plan you can try with your child.

  1. 1
    Start Morning MindfulnessDaily, 5 min
    Begin each day with a brief mindfulness exercise to set a positive tone. Helps children center themselves and manage stress.
    👉 What this looks like
    Gather the family in a quiet room and sit comfortably. Lead a simple breathing exercise: 'Inhale deeply through your nose, hold, then exhale slowly through your mouth.' Repeat this three times. Finish by asking everyone how they feel. This establishes a calm start to the day.
  2. 2
    Conduct Daily Emotion Check-InsEvening, daily
    Have each family member share their feelings at dinner to practice articulating emotions and building empathy.
    👉 What this looks like
    During dinner, take turns sharing one high and one low from your day. Encourage children to express emotions and listen actively. For example, 'Today, I felt proud when I finished my project' or 'I was frustrated when I lost my game.' This promotes emotional awareness and empathy.
    read more about SEL practices →
  3. 3
    Create Gratitude JournalsDaily, before bed
    Encourage children to note things they are grateful for daily. Fosters positivity and emotional resilience.
    👉 What this looks like
    Provide each child with a notebook. At bedtime, ask them to write or draw three things they are grateful for. Discuss their entries if they wish. This practice helps shift focus to positive aspects of their lives, reinforcing gratitude and resilience.
    use this gratitude journal →
  4. 4
    Read SEL Stories TogetherTwice a week
    Incorporate books with SEL themes during story time to discuss emotions and social skills.
    👉 What this looks like
    Choose a story like 'Expressing Our Feelings Positively.' Read together and pause to discuss the characters' emotions and decisions. Ask questions like, 'What did the character feel? What would you do?' This encourages empathy and understanding of social cues.
    find more SEL stories →
  5. 5
    Plan Evening Reflection SessionsWeekend evenings
    End the day with a family reflection on what went well and areas for improvement. Supports self-awareness and responsible decision-making.
    👉 What this looks like
    Before bedtime on weekends, gather as a family to discuss the week's highlights and challenges. Share what you learned and how you might handle situations differently next time. This helps children reflect on their experiences and plan for future interactions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some signs my child might need extra support?
Look for persistent changes in mood, withdrawal from activities, or changes in eating and sleeping patterns. If these occur, consider consulting a pediatrician.
How can SEL help with my child’s mental wellness?
SEL helps children manage emotions, set goals, show empathy, build relationships, and make decisions, fostering resilience and emotional understanding.
What are simple daily practices for mental wellness?
Try morning mindfulness, emotion check-ins, gratitude journals, SEL story time, and evening reflections to support your child's emotional health.
When should I talk to my child's pediatrician?
If you notice persistent mood or behavior changes, it's wise to consult a pediatrician for guidance and possible referrals.

References

  1. National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental Health Awareness Month. Retrieved from nami.org
  2. Mental Health America. (n.d.). Mental Health Month. Retrieved from mhanational.org
  3. Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning. (n.d.). What is the CASEL Framework? Retrieved from casel.org
  4. Durlak, J. A., Weissberg, R. P., Dymnicki, A. B., Taylor, R. D., & Schellinger, K. B. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432.
Rajini Darugupally, Speech-Language Pathologist
Rajini Darugupally
Speech-Language Pathologist · M.Sc. SLP (AIISH) · 10+ years of clinical experience
More about Rajini & the team →

Educational, not medical advice. This article is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic advice. If you have clinical concerns about your child, please talk to your pediatrician, speech-language pathologist, or other qualified professional.