ABSTRACT
Social-emotional learning practices, including mindfulness, strengths awareness, and compassion training continue to give rise to effectiveness debates among parents and educators. Some feel that the time needed for this learning sacrifices much needed content instruction. Others feel that learning cannot occur without a focus on the social-emotional development of children. Research is similarly conflicting, although it definitely bends toward supporting Social-emotional learning in schools. Researchers have found that mindfulness practices decrease the negative impact of stress and anxiety, increase cognitive and emotional flexibility, and build resilience. With such a powerful tool readily available to readers, it makes sense to practice mindfulness skills and teach them to their children. Through mindfulness activities, visualization techniques, and relaxation strategies, people learn to train their thinking toward kindness, empathy, and compassion.
