SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
State of Connecticut, List of behavioral health resources for parents who may have a child struggling with a behavioral health need Click here
988 was created as a shortcut to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline because anyone experiencing severe mental distress needs easily accessible emotional support and resources.
When Should I Contact 988? Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline if you or a loved one are suffering from extreme emotional distress, substance use, suicidal thoughts, or any intersecting behavioral health concerns. While 911 operators focus on dispatching Emergency Medical Services, fire, and police, calling 988 will connect you to a skilled mental health professional trained to empathize with your struggles and provide specialized support. All 988 communications are 100% free and confidential.
988 support staff aid anyone experiencing mental distress by providing a direct connection to compassionate care and personalized guidance. Trained counselors will listen, understand how your problems are affecting you, provide specialized support, and connect you to national as well as local resources if necessary. 988 accepts calls and texts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Helping Our Children by supporting their mental health - Resource from the CT state Department of Education

What is Social Emotional Learning and Why is it important?
SEL is the process through which all young people and adults acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to develop healthy identities, manage emotions and achieve personal and collective goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain supportive relationships, and make responsible and caring decisions.
Graduating from high school and being prepared for college and career success require a much broader set of skills, including the ability to navigate life’s challenges, maintain healthy relations, manage one’s own emotions and behaviors, and having an understanding and awareness of one’s own social and cultural identity and views about cultural differences.
5 Core Competencies of Social Emotional Learning
Self Awareness
What is it?
Self-awareness means having the ability to understand your thoughts, emotions, and values, as well as knowing how those factors influence your behavior.
Teach yourself how to...
Identify your emotions
See yourself honestly
Recognize your strengths and weaknesses
Assess your abilities and interests
Work toward growth
Self Management
What is it?
Self-management skills are your ability to regulate and control your actions, feelings, and thoughts.
Teach yourself how to...
Take care of yourself
How to handle stress
Practice being patient
Control your impulses
Persevere in overcoming obstacles
Social and Emotional Learning Strategies for Parents
Be a good listener
Model the behavior you seek
Nurture your child's self-esteem
Respect differences
Take advantage of support services
Do a job together
Resources used:
https://www.positiveaction.net/blog/teaching-self-awareness-to-students
https://www.glassdoor.com/blog/guide/self-management/
https://www.waterford.org/education/15-activities-for-teaching-casel-core-competencies/
https://betterkids.education/blog/5-easy-social-emotional-learning-activities-for-kids-to-do-at-home
https://choosingyourbattles.com/impulse-control-activities-for-teens/
https://biglifejournal.com/blogs/blog/activities-grit-resilience-children
http://weforshenextgen.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/D-Know-Your-Strengths.-Own-Your-Strengths.pdf
Mental Health Awareness
It is important to take care of yourself all year long. Here is a short video that gives tips for when to seek help.
Source: Behavioral Health Action Organization of Southwestern CT
Posted 5.26.2021