A survey of over 6,000 parents by HSBC Bank revealed that when you ask parents “What is the main thing you want for your child?” an overwhelming majority – 72% in the US – would say “To be happy”.
Sounds like a simple enough wish. But it’s not. Through the ages, parents have tried many methods to raise happy children. But what is it exactly that makes a child happy? And what makes a person grow up to be happy in the long run?
People, adults as well as children, are most happy and successful when they have a healthy sense of self-worth, strong relationship skills and the ability to manage their emotions. One very well researched and highly regarded parenting and teaching method is called Social & Emotional Learning or SEL. It differs from many methods because of its focus on positive reinforcement and long-term, lifelong results. How to be Good for Santa, Inc. has taken this method one step further by designing a variety of ways to teach these values while the kids just think they’re playing and having fun.
What is SEL?
Put simply, SEL involves gaining and effectively applying the knowledge, attitudes and skills to
- understand and manage emotions
- set and achieve positive goals
- feel and show empathy for others
- establish and maintain positive relationships
- make responsible decisions
I think we’d all agree that these skills and attitudes would be something we’d love to see develop in our children. But how do we do help our children learn these skills and attitudes?
The co-founder of How to be Good for Santa, Inc., Jordan Weiner, describes the problem like this. “We realize that a person’s behavior is significantly formulated by the age of 8 – and behavior education is most effective when done at home. However, most parents are not positive reinforcement behavioral experts and/or don’t have the time or capabilities to put together a process and products that resonate with their children. Our products help children develop lifelong relationship skills and self-worth and give parents an easy and fun way to coach these skills including good manners, social etiquette, good citizenship, handling emergency situations, anti-bullying, life lessons and so much more.”
MCA award-winner, How to be Good for Santa, Inc. uses fun, interactive products that kids will love to teach SEL. From flashcards and stickers to goal tracking and behavior worksheets, every
product reinforces good behavior and provides exact words and actions to use along with real-life helpful tips and role-playing questions. Easy to use, portable, imaginative, and specifically designed to provide consistent training, these products are a delightful way to actively help your child attain happiness now and in the future.
For more information or to get your free goal planning worksheets sign up here.
The mission of How to be Good for Santa, Inc. is to give the gift of knowledge to children for building lifelong relationship skills and self-worth. At the end of the day, this is what will help your child be truly happy, now and for the rest of her life.
For more information about SEL check these out:
https://confidentparentsconfidentkids.org/about-the-blog/about-social-and-emotional-development/
http://parentingchangemakers.org/resources/
This post was originally posted on the How To Be Good For Santa Blog.
9 Comments on “The Happy Child”
It’s funny how much time we spend teaching our children but I wonder if we give emotional learning the attention it deserves. Very interesting article
Positive reinforcement does work wonders. I always used charts on my fridge when my kids were little and after they would receive so many stars for completing chores or tasks they would be able to pick a prize every week from my prize bag
I would love to look into the How to be Good for Santa program I think the whole family could enjoy it
Modeling from parents is how kids pick up most thing (good or bad), so having a program to follow with your kids that will promote the things you really want them to learn would be especially useful. I remember doing some similar things as a child at school. Doing it at home would probably help both parent and child.
These are overlooked qualities that really do need to be taught more to the young so that understanding grows and becomes more prevalent. Thanks for the information and be safe.
Great article, every child needs Positive in their lives. Having a happy child also is positive for the parent also.
Great info!! Always nice to have morer ideas in helping us to raise our children.
great info. thank you for sharing
This is a great article, especially in light of what is happening in today’s world. Happiness rocks the world.