As a children’s author, I often get asked why I choose to write books that focus on social-emotional learning (SEL). After all, the possibilities are endless when it comes to children’s stories! So why not write about magical kingdoms or far-off adventures? The truth is, I’ve always been drawn to stories that help kids navigate the emotional ups and downs of life—because let’s face it, emotions are complex, even for adults! And from my experience as a mom and watching my own kids grow, I’ve realized just how vital SEL is in shaping their development.
My kids have been my biggest inspiration for diving into the world of SEL. Watching them interact with others, seeing them deal with frustration, excitement, or disappointment—it’s a rollercoaster of emotions! But here’s the thing: those everyday emotional moments are opportunities for growth.
Whether it’s my son learning how to manage his frustration when something doesn’t go his way, or my daughter expressing her excitement (and sometimes nerves) about making new friends, these are all real-life situations that I wanted to bring into my books. I’ve seen firsthand how children are constantly learning to name their feelings and how powerful it can be when they have the right tools to manage those emotions.
That’s where SEL comes in. Social and emotional learning teaches children how to recognize, understand, and regulate their emotions while also helping them develop empathy, make decisions, and build healthy relationships. These aren’t just skills for the playground—they’re life skills that lay the groundwork for adulthood.
While I strive to provide these tools through my stories, the reality is that schools are the perfect place for SEL to flourish. Historically, schools have been focused on academic learning, which is, of course, important. But more and more, we’re realizing that emotional intelligence is just as critical. Kids can’t learn effectively if they’re dealing with unregulated emotions or struggling to interact with their peers in a healthy way.
SEL in schools isn’t just about teaching kids to “be nice” or “get along.” It’s about equipping them with essential skills that can enhance their learning experience and improve academic performance. Research shows that students who participate in SEL programs tend to have better academic outcomes. According to a meta-analysis by the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), students involved in SEL programs improved their academic performance by 11 percentile points compared to their peers.
But it’s not just about the grades. SEL also improves students’ attitudes toward school, reduces anxiety and stress, and decreases bullying and emotional distress. All of these benefits lead to a healthier, more positive school environment, where kids can thrive academically and socially.
Unfortunately, while the benefits of SEL are clear, funding and resources for these programs have been inconsistent. Over the years, there have been pushes at the federal level to support SEL in schools. For instance, in 2015, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) acknowledged the importance of SEL, giving states the option to include measures of social and emotional well-being as part of their accountability systems. The Wallace Foundation highlights evidence-based SEL interventions that meet ESSA standards, offering a guide for schools looking to implement effective programs. This was a great step forward, many schools still lack the resources and funding needed to implement comprehensive SEL programs.
That’s why it’s so important for both parents and educators to continue advocating for SEL. Schools need more than just an acknowledgment of its importance; they need the funding and tools to integrate these lessons effectively into classrooms. In recent years, the U.S. Department of Education has started to place more emphasis on mental health and SEL, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which highlighted the emotional toll on students. But we have a long way to go before every school has access to the robust SEL programs our children deserve.
When I sit down to write a story, I’m thinking about more than just entertaining young readers. I’m thinking about the bigger picture—the emotional and social skills that will carry them through life. Whether it’s in my World of Kids Emotions series or my My Way books, I try to incorporate lessons that reflect the challenges kids face when dealing with their emotions or navigating friendships. These stories are about helping children understand their feelings and empowering them to make positive choices.
We live in a world where emotional intelligence is becoming increasingly important. As parents and educators, it’s our responsibility to equip children with the skills they need to succeed, not just academically, but emotionally and socially too. SEL isn’t just an “extra” thing to teach—it’s the foundation for building confident, empathetic, and resilient individuals.
I could write about anything, but SEL is where my heart lies because I’ve seen the incredible impact it has on children’s lives. The more we invest in SEL—both at home and in schools—the more we’re investing in a brighter, more compassionate future for our kids.
So, if you’re a parent or educator, keep reading those stories that help kids understand their emotions. Keep advocating for SEL in schools. Our children need it now more than ever.
