NEDERLAND - In the cozy mountain town of Nederland, Colorado, where the winds carry stories and snow, a group of parents and caregivers spent this school year doing something powerful: learning how to raise emotionally intelligent children together.

Through TEENS, Inc. and in partnership with Nederland Elementary School, the Mountain Strong Families series gathered monthly to explore the art (and sometimes chaos!) of parenting with heart, brain science, and a hefty dose of humor.

This year’s journey began with a grounding in the Nurturing Parenting Curriculum and Dr. Dan Siegel’s transformative idea that children need to be seen, soothed, safe, and secure. The group unpacked the difference between functional and nurturing parenting, discovering that it’s not just about clean socks and lunchboxes—it’s about emotional connection.

A key takeaway? Five positive interactions for every critique create harmony and trust.

Then the lens turned inward, and parents got honest about their “emotional backpacks.” With guidance from the latest neuroscience, parents practiced “Stop, Drop, and Breathe,” a mighty but straightforward method for keeping calm when the inner volcano wants to erupt. They acknowledged that self-care isn’t a spa day (though, sure, we’ll take one!)—the daily practices keep them emotionally available for their kids.

Parents spent the rest of the Fall delving into the wild and wonderful world of brain science. They learned that children's big behaviors often reflect an under-construction brain, not willful misbehavior. By connecting first with the emotional brain before launching into lectures they learned to transform meltdowns into moments of growth.

The final sessions brought charades, laughs, and a deeper dive into EQ (emotional intelligence). They practiced naming feelings beyond “mad” and “sad” (hello, frustrated, overwhelmed, and hopeful), and explored “time-ins” instead of timeouts. The magic? When we co-regulate with our kids, we teach them how to do it later.

Throughout the year, Mountain Strong Families has shown that the best way to build resilient kids is to be resilient as parents. It's a collective effort—parents supporting parents, growing not in isolation, but side-by-side.

Summer SEL Ideas for Families

While summer break means no more lunchboxes, it’s the perfect time to keep growing emotional intelligence at home. Here are some sunny-day strategies:

• Name It to Tame It: Keep a feelings chart on the fridge. Help your child identify emotions each day and talk about what triggered them.
  
  

• Model Mindfulness: Start the day with three deep breaths together or try a family “moment to pause” after meals.
  
  

• Play “Feelings Charades”: Act out emotions and guess. It’s fun—and it builds emotional vocabulary!
  
  

• Create a Calm Corner: Set up a cozy space with pillows, books, and sensory tools where kids can go to regroup.
  
  

• Journal Together: Even young kids can draw their feelings. For older ones, try gratitude journaling before bed.
  
  

• Get Moving: Physical activity supports regulation. Take family walks, dance in the living room, or do yoga in the grass.
  
  

• Connect Before You Correct: When a conflict arises, lead with empathy before problem-solving.
  
  

As the wildflowers bloom and the trails beckon, remember that raising emotionally intense children doesn’t require perfection—it just takes presence. We’re building better kids and a stronger, more connected mountain community.

I look forward to seeing you next fall for more learning, laughing, and growing together. If you have questions, contact Betsy Epp at betsy@teensinc.org.