Self-reflection is a key aspect of SEL, as it allows individuals to examine their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a mindful and introspective manner. When we engage in self-reflection, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and our impact on others. Self-reflection also promotes self-acceptance and self-compassion, allowing individuals to embrace their imperfections and learn from their mistakes. This self-awareness skill is crucial for developing social-emotional skills, it allows us to regulate our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, empathize with others, and establish and maintain positive relationships. Self-reflection also helps us recognize and challenge negative thought patterns and foster a more positive and resilient mindset. 

Here are some ways to encourage self-reflection:

• Ask your child open-ended questions:

  • What are the one or two best parts of the last 24 hours of your life?

  • Now, what are the one or two worst parts?

• Model It 

  • Children learn by example, so adults need to model self-reflection in their own behavior. This can include talking about your own thoughts and feelings, and explaining how you have used self-reflection to solve problems or make decisions.

• Be Quiet

  • As adults, we often feel the need to say a lot. However, at this moment less is more! Instead, stick with small bits of acknowledgment such as “oh, that sounds like a lot of fun” or “hmm, that sounds tough.”

• Dont Force Participation

  • This is an invitation to share not a forced talk about feelings. It is good trauma-informed practice for children to know that do not have to participate. 

• Rinse and Repeat

  • Don’t give up if it falls flat the first time. It takes practice to get the hang of it. 

• Encourage journaling: 

  • Encourage children to keep a journal where they can write down their thoughts and feelings. This can be a private space for children to reflect on their experiences and emotions.

• Use art and play therapy: 

  • Art and play therapy can be used to help children express their thoughts and feelings in a non-verbal way. Children can use art materials to create pictures, drawings, or other forms of self-expression.

• Encourage children to reflect on their own learning process: 

  • Help children to understand that learning is a lifelong process and that self-reflection is an essential part of it. Encourage children to reflect on their own learning process and help them to set goals for themselves to achieve better results.