Nurturing the social-emotional roots; Why its development matters in preschool

financialexpress.com:

By Jitendra Karsan

The definition of success varies from person to person and often evolves over time. Your perspective on success may depend on your age group and socio-economic background, with similarities emerging among those who share common experiences. However, when we glimpse into the reflections of individuals on their deathbeds, there are some common universal regrets—wishing they could have spent more time with their loved ones or pursued their passions instead of chasing after money.

Irrespective of what success might look like for us, what matters the most at the core of our being is the quality of our lives. A significant determinant of quality of life is the quality of relationships we have in our lives. How we interact with our loved ones, the people around us, and society. Various studies and surveys have time and again asserted that the quality of our relationships is the strongest indicator of our overall well-being. All accomplishments will feel hollow if we do not have anyone to share them with.

Considering the level of importance social and emotional indicators play in measuring quality of life, why do we not prioritise the instillation of social-emotional development in children from the earliest stages of their lives? While efforts are made at all levels, the approach often treats it as a soft skill, a complimentary learning rather than an integral part of education.

Preschools, as the first formal step into a child’s educational journey, should prioritise Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) as a cornerstone of their curriculum. In societies where families opt for one or two children, the responsibility of teaching children values like sharing and building relationships with other kids falls on the