NURTURING EMOTIONAL AND SOCIAL COMPETENCE IN YOUNG MINDS

Abstract

Nurturing emotional and social development in children and its long-term impact is insightful. Prioritizing social-emotional learning skills is essential for healthy growth, improved mental health outcomes, and academic success. The initiatives in India to integrate SEL into early education are commendable, though more research is needed to address cultural contexts and diverse needs. Challenges like cultural and socioeconomic differences and resistance to change must be addressed through targeted strategies. Recommendations such as education and training for teachers, curriculum integration, and community engagement can help overcome these obstacles. By investing in emotional and social development, we pave the way for healthier, more resilient societies. Collaborative efforts among educators, parents, and policymakers are key to achieving these goals and ensuring equitable access to SEL programs for all children. Hence the study focuses on understanding children's emotional and social development's impact on mental health and assessing strategies and challenges for enhancing social-emotional skills