Social and emotional learning (SEL), also called social and emotional wellness (SEW), is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. The resources below offer parents and educators tools to support healthy social and emotional learning. For instructions to view this website in Spanish, click on en Español.
Families Connected Resources
Videos to foster a sense of belonging
Fostering belonging, from Leah Niehaus, LCSW.
Connecting youth with compassion, with Anna Pirkl, LMFT, MA.
Mitzi Henry shares her family’s story.
Related resources for parents and guardians
Curated Gallery of Resources
Clicking on the logos, images, and links below will take you out of the Families Connected website and to the online resource indicated. Families Connected is not affiliated with these organizations, nor have these organizations paid to have their resources shared here. Please note that, unlike the Families Connected website, some of the websites/articles included here may display pop-up ads. Please read the terms of use agreement on this and all websites visited. Families Connected will remain open in your browser.
Youth wellness tools
Click on any organization’s logo to access outstanding social-emotional parenting tools for children aged k-5 and beyond.
Nurturing connection, competence and character
15 Questions to Replace, "How Was School Today?" (Edutopia, The George Lucas Educational Foundation)
4 Small Ways to Build Confidence in Kids (Child Mind Institute)
Teaching Character (KQED - MindShift)
Ways to Nurture Interests that Inspire Kids to Explore Their Passions (PBS)
Understanding and managing emotions
9 Ways to Support a Child With Anxiety (Parents)
Test Anxiety Is a Highly Common Experience for Students of All Ages (UCLA)
Why Talking to Kids About Emotions Early Matters (Parent Co.)
8 Ways to Bolster Executive Function in Teens and Tweens (Edutopia)
Is My Child’s Anger Normal? (Child Mind Institute)
6 Ways to Help Our Children Know and Love Ourselves (Janet Lansbury)
A Parent's Resource Guide to Social Emotional Learning (Edutopia, by the George Lucas Education Foundation)
Fostering a growth mindset
Why Understanding These Four Types of Mistakes Can Help Us Learn (KQED)
Growth Mindset, Clearing Up Some Common Confusion (KQED - MindShift)
A Comprehensive List of Resources for Teaching Growth Mindset (Edutopia, by the George Lucas Education Foundation)
Developing Positive Learning Traits (KQED - Mindshift)
How to Help Students Develop a Love of Reading (KQED - MindShift)
For More Youth Wellness Resources, visit:
For South Bay parents and caregivers
Go to the South Bay Families Connected landing page to view local events, the Teen Resource Center, to sign-up for the SBFC monthly parent e-newsletter, and more.
For parents and caregivers in the U.S.A.
Visit the Families Connected landing page for non-region-specific, free youth wellness online resources.