NEDERLAND - Parents and caregivers gathered recently for a transformative session in the ongoing parenting series aimed at fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and problem-solving skills in children. The evening, filled with insightful...
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NEDERLAND - Parents and caregivers gathered recently for a transformative session in the ongoing parenting series aimed at fostering emotional intelligence, resilience, and problem-solving skills in children. The evening, filled with insightful discussions and practical strategies, began with a warm welcome and an introduction to the session's key facilitator, Chrissy Quinlan, who set the tone for a shared learning and collaboration night, inspiring all present.
Betsy Epp, the social-emotional learning coordinator at TEENS, Inc., offers these sessions once per month during the school year at Nederland Elementary School, where free dinner and childcare are provided.
The session started with a "Moment to Pause," emphasizing the importance of engaging the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain responsible for planning, emotional regulation, and problem-solving. Participants learned simple calming strategies, such as deep breathing and playful reframing, to help children regain emotional control during challenging moments.
For instance, the group practiced using humor and storytelling, such as the "I Can’t Monster" game, where children pretend to be monsters that can't do certain things, to encourage resilience and reduce frustration.
A central theme of the workshop was teaching children to persevere through difficulties without immediately solving their problems. Facilitators shared scaffolded approaches, where caregivers provide just enough support to encourage skill-building. An example included helping a child learn to zip their jacket by breaking the task into manageable steps while validating their feelings with the empowering word “yet.”
Participants were encouraged to role-play scenarios, practicing language that communicates confidence in their child's problem-solving ability while modeling patience and understanding.
A reflective exercise invited attendees to consider their own childhood experiences with discipline. Parents explored how their caregivers responded to misbehavior and how those practices shaped their current responses. This activity highlighted the importance of replacing punitive measures with teaching moments that build trust and understanding.
Through reframing, parents practiced shifting their mindset from seeking consequences for "bad" behavior to identifying ways to help their children develop better problem-solving skills. Simple changes in language—like asking “What happened?” instead of “Who’s to blame?”—were presented as tools for fostering empathy and cooperation.
One practical takeaway from the evening was the use of "I-messages" to express feelings without assigning blame. These messages, such as saying, “I felt hurt when I didn’t get a turn with the toy,” instead of “You’re mean,” are a powerful tool for modeling emotional intelligence and teaching children to articulate their feelings respectfully.
A lively group exercise demonstrated how I-messages could transform household conflicts into opportunities for mutual understanding.
The session also explored solution-based approaches to discipline. By comparing punitive versus proactive responses, attendees saw the impact of focusing on future improvements rather than past mistakes.
A classroom example demonstrated how brainstorming solutions—like assigning a buddy to remind students of the recess bell—can foster responsibility and cooperation in children.
The workshop concluded with a moment of reflection, where parents imagined re-parenting themselves using the strategies discussed. Attendees were encouraged to set an intention for implementing these tools at home, fostering environments where children feel seen, safe, and supported.
Parents left with practical strategies, more profound insights into their parenting styles, and renewed confidence to nurture resilient, empathetic problem-solvers.
We hope you will join us for the next session of Mountain Strong Families, hosted by TEENS, Inc., on January 7, 2024. Contact Betsy Epp, betsy@teensinc.org, with any questions or to register.