There is more to life than reading, writing and math. Yes, they are important skills that support us in negotiating life. But we want our kids to not only survive, but to THRIVE — and schoolteachers often have their hands too full with fitting lessons into time slots, grading papers, and monitoring their overcrowded classrooms to get to what really creates happy, healthy and well-adjusted children: Social Emotional Learning (SEL).

What is SEL and why does Spiritual Playdate puts this vital learning at the heart of our Soul Talks, Pop-Up Playdates, and activities?

SEL helps kids develop self-awareness, self-control and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and the creation of a successful and happy life. Why are these skills important for the full development of every child? Self-Awareness: When kids understand who they are, what they want to be, and what they value, they respond to life authentically and with integrity. And they gain an appreciation of (and respect for) themselves and others. Self-knowledge is powerful! Self-Control: When children know that feeling emotions is natural and that they are in the driver’s seat of their emotions, they are better equipped to handle times of sadness, anger, and frustration in healthy and productive ways. They will have the tools they need to face any situation calmly and effectively. Interpersonal Skills: Success in life lies in the ability to connect and engage with others. Whether within our families, in school, on the playground, or in our jobs and communities, we need to be able to relate and communicate with confidence and empathy.

Spiritual Playdate weaves Social Emotional Learning seamlessly into every fiber of our sessions. With topics like Love, Gratitude, Living and Dying, and Fear and Anxiety, kids (and their grown-ups) will take a deep dive into what they think, how they feel, and how they express themselves.