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Social-Emotional Learning: What Is SEL and Why SEL Matters

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Growing up has always been a challenge, but it seems today's kids are having an especially rough time. Anxiety, depression, and the youth suicide rate have been on the rise for the last decade, especially for girls and children of color. It's safe to say that the need for easily accessible mental health tools that kids can use privately and safely is more critical than ever.

Everyone's mental health journey is different. Talking with your child and getting professional help is the first and best course of action if you think they need it. But digital tools can be an added boost to get your kid through a tough time. They're particularly helpful for kids who find it hard to reach out and ask for help.

Depending on your family's needs, you can find apps and sites designed for immediate help, ongoing support, information, and positive mental health habits. If your kid is going to use any of these tools, it's a good idea to review them yourself to see how they work and to check their privacy policies to learn how they handle sensitive information.

The Basics: Free and Confidential Support

Make sure your kid has access to immediate help in case they ever need it. Consider sitting down with them and adding these resources to their contacts.

Crisis Text Line: Text "HOME" to 741741, or message them on WhatsApp. Young people of color can text "STEVE" to 741741 to reach culturally trained counselors.

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. They offer translation services in over 250 languages.

For Parents and Caregivers

These organizations offer guidance for families, whether you need app recommendations or more comprehensive services.

Child Mind Institute. This independent, nonprofit agency provides advice for parents and caregivers, research, and professional referrals for a wide range of mental health issues.

PsyberGuide. Expert-recommended apps for coping with anxiety, depression, stress, and more.

Immediate Help for Kids in Crisis

Calm Harm - Manages Self Harm. For kids who feel compelled to harm themselves in times of distress, this app offers proven methods to derail those impulses. After they choose a method, they set a timer so they can move on when the urge passes. Over time, they might be able to internalize these strategies. ( Read our review.)

It Gets Better. LGBTQ+ youth face specific challenges around mental health. This site offers tons of video stories with messages of hope and encouragement for LGBTQ+ youth. And if you're not sure how to approach these issues, you and your kid can take a look at the resources together.

My3. Though no one wants to think about their kid feeling suicidal, it's important to talk about it if that's what's happening. This is a powerful tool for kids during those critical moments. It includes a contact list to call for help if they're in despair (911 and the National Suicide Hotline are automatically included), and a self-created safety plan. The app also uses strategies created by mental health professionals to help kids avoid suicidal thoughts and suggests actions to take when they need more support. ( Read our review.)

The Trevor Project. Geared toward LGBTQ+ kids, the Trevor Project offers a range of ways to connect, so kids can find some support using whatever means are available at the moment. They can call, instant-message, text, or use the Trevor Project social channels to connect with a trained counselor or other teens. ( Read our review.)

For Ongoing Support

AAKOMA Project: The nonprofit helps children of color seek professional help and learn how to maintain their mental health. Their website has advice on managing social media, self-care, and other ways for kids to find support.

HappiMe for Young People. Using a kid-friendly approach, this app walks participants through four steps: Learn, Recognize, Deal with Your Emotions, and Replace. It helps them picture their thoughts as something separate from themselves -- a psychological method that allows people to deal with negative thoughts.

Sanvello. Created with mental health professionals, this app offers an array of therapeutic tools and services. Kids can set goals, schedule time each day to focus on mental health, join community forums, access a new therapist or their own (if their therapist works with the app), and more. ( Read our review.)

Virtual Hope Box. This tool uses three modes -- Remind Me, Distract Me, and Relax Me -- to help kids stay connected during stressful times. Kids can comfort themselves by storing personally meaningful photos and music, playing relaxation exercises, and more. ( Read our review.)

We R Native: This site -- by Indigenous youth, for Indigenous youth -- shares ways that teens can use to reach out for help. It also has tips on dealing with body image, self-esteem, suicidal thoughts, and more.

Wysa: Mental Health Support. Though getting support from a chatbot might seem like a strange approach, the AI character in this app can offer daily validation and reminders around recurring mental health challenges. A paid version of the app includes access to a therapist if the free chatbot isn't helpful, plus other tools to maintain emotional wellness. ( Read our review.)

For Information and Awareness

National Alliance on Mental Illness. The NAMI website offers a wealth of information for kids who want to learn more about mental health issues, look up specific concerns, or even help a friend in need. You can also find resources based on gender, race, ethnicity, and identity.

TeensHealth.org. With resources for kids, teens, parents and caregivers, and educators, this site has information for everyone. You can also find information about common concerns like relationships, body image, and dealing with stress.

For Setting Positive Mental Health Habits

Apart of Me. This unique app uses a gentle adventure-game approach to tackle tough topics for kids dealing with loss. By exploring a beautiful world, getting guidance from its characters, and doing periodic meditations, kids can process their feelings and get strategies for handling hard times. Apart of Me also offers audio recordings from other kids who went through similar experiences. ( Read our review.)

Headspace for Kids. This app uses common meditation techniques such as breath awareness for the mind to rest. After a one-week free trial, Headspace costs $12.99 per month. ( Read our review.)

Three Good Things. This teen-created app lets kids write about three positive experiences every day. They can also set a daily reminder and review old entries to remember their positive thoughts. ( Read our review.)

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Kids' Mental Health Apps and Websites for Anxiety, Depression, Copi...

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Apps, sites, and text hotlines help kids cope with issues from stress to suicide. Advice from Common Sense Media editors.

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You are doing an amazing job! But, remember to take a moment for yourself, to breath, stretch, whatever you need to keep being your best self. Hang in there and keep up the great work!

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Sesame Street: A Moment to Yourself | Parent PSA

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This tool can be used to help your child self-regulate when experiencing difficult emotions.

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15/21 Days of Mindfulness Bootcamp - 5 Minutes Bodyscan Meditation for Families and classrooms

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SEL and Self-Care Resources for Educators, Schools, and Parents During the Pandemic

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A compilation of social-emotional learning (SEL) and self-care resources for educators, parents, and school communities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Need help calming your worries?  Practice taking mindful moments using Calm.

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Let's look after ourselves, and each other. - Calm Blog

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As days of isolation turn into weeks, many of us are feeling increasingly uprooted from our normal lives. In a world on lockdown, it isn't just our routines that are being disrupted, but our relationships too. Thankfully, distance doesn't have to mean disconnection.

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Morning Relaxing Music For Children - Childhood Memories (Hayfield)

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How does your child express their feelings? Talking about their feelings out loud can help lift your child's mood. In this adventure, Eagle and Oona will teach your child how to express their emotions in a healthy way.

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Naming Emotions and Social Emotional Learning for Kids - SmartKids

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Have your child choose 1 task per week from each choice board to complete!

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Build social emotional skills through play

FUN DIGITAL GAMES TO LEARN SOCIAL EMOTIONAL SKILLS

Start you free trialto help your kids build positive relationships, make responsible decisions, and learn healthy coping strategies. Our fun interactive digital games and engaging Augmented Reality features are the best way to develop your kids' social emotional skills and help them adapt to a changing world.

Real-LifE Practice Activities TO FEEL BETTER

The app's Parent Board offers printables and hands-on activities that help your child practice mindfulness, healthy coping strategies, gratitude and more, both independently and together with their caregiver.

Wisdom and their cat will appear into your home and coach your child through Augmented Reality breathing games: Breathing with Wisdom, Bubble Breathing and a calming Glitter Jar.

PLAYFUL PARENTING TIPS THAT HELP KIDS GROW

Access playful parenting tips in the Parent Board that will help you address common challenges such as a hitting child, sibling conflicts, developing independence, managing screen time and more. Our dedicated resources:

help you understand your child's behavior by identifying the underlying social skills that need to be further learned and practiced

provide you with easy-to-use playful resources to support your child in growing these specific skills, whether it's through games they can play independently or activities that you can engage in together

The Parent Board also includes a Getting Started Guide with tips on how to support your child throughout their journey in the World of Emotions.

Personalize a story about your child's journey with Wisdom

Once you've downloaded Wisdom: The World of Emotions (Getting Started Guide ) and your child starts playing the games, you will notice interview prompts with opportunities to enter your child's responses on your device. Once you've completed all the interviews together, we will generate a beautifully personalized book that includes your child's name and in-app responses. This digital book is included in your subscription and is accessible directly on your device.

It's a magical opportunity to further support your child's social emotional skills and reflect on their journey in the World of Emotions!

Ensure your child has a positive experience during this school year

Support your child's emotional well-being

This school year presents unique challenges. This fun Social Emotional Learning workbook is filled with 120 pages of activities that will strengthen your child's social emotional skills like self-awareness, friendship, empathy, mindfulness, problem-solving, independence and more! These important skills will support your child's emotional well being throughout the school year.

Designed by educators for children ages 5+, this 120-page workbook includes a variety of colorful templates, worksheets, quotes, meditations, and interactive activities that your child can complete independently. Order your copy now!

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Support Your Child's Social Emotional Growth - Better Kids

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By playing Wisdom: The World of Emotions, your child will develop healthy coping strategies, make responsible decisions and resolve conflicts effectively. You will be guided to create a customized book with your child through interview questions throughout the adventure. Reading this book together w

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5 Incredibly Fun GAMES to Teach Self-Regulation (Self-Control) | Social Emotional Learning

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Tri-County Behavioral Care Can Help

Tri- County Behavioral Care is a comprehensive mental healthcare provider dedicated to caring for the needs of individuals, adolescents and families through our specialized areas of outpatient services: Intensive In-Community (IIC), Psychotherapy, School Related Services and Substance Use Evaluation & Treatment .

At Tri-County Behavioral Care, we are ready to be your advocate. We are here to provide a fresh perspective toward a better quality of life in a safe and comfortable environment. Our specialized therapists are ready to begin your journey toward a healthier you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment to meet with one of our licensed therapists at our convenient locations or through teletherapy.

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Tri- County Behavioral Care is a comprehensive mental healthcare provider dedicated to caring for the needs of individuals, adolescents and families through our specialized areas of outpatient services: Intensive In-Community (IIC), Psychotherapy, School Related Services and Substance Use Evaluation & Treatment . At Tri-County Behavioral Care, we are ready to be your advocate.

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Overview

Saint Clare's Counseling Services provide psychiatric services along with individual, group and family counseling for adults, children and families. Our counselors can help individuals and families to cope with crisis and change, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, separation, or the loss of a job; or to manage ongoing situations such as conflict within the family.

Our Team

We offer patients a team of psychiatric and behavioral health professionals who specialize in family dynamics, stressful life changes, and more who are highly-qualified to work with patients of all ages to deliver personalized treatment and follow-up care.

Our Approach

Our counselors, in collaboration with the individual or family, complete a detailed assessment and recommend an individualized plan of care to address specific needs and goals. During treatment, counselors provide education, support and guidance to ensure that the individual's or family's needs are addressed.

Our Locations

Counseling for Adults, Children & Families
Saint Clare's Behavioral Health Denville
50 Morris Avenue
Denville, NJ 07054

Counseling for Adults, Children & Families
Saint Clare's Behavioral Health Parsippany
1 Medical Drive
Parsippany, NJ 07054

Phone Number

To make a referral to either location, please contact Central Evaluation and Referral (CER) 1-888-626-2111.

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Counseling Services | Adults, Children and Families

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Saint Clare's Counseling Services provide psychiatric services along with individual, group and family counseling for adults, children and families. Our counselors can help individuals and families to cope with crisis and change, such as the death of a loved one, divorce, separation, or the loss of a job; or to manage ongoing situations such as conflict within the family.

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New Hope Food Pantry is a ministry of the Milton United Methodist Church. We offer food distribution two times a month for families in need in our community. Distribution days are usually the first Thursday and third Saturday of the month. Food donations are always welcome and can be dropped in the gray bin behind the church at any time.

UPDATED COVID POLICY

Until further notice, the New Hope Food Pantry requires that our patrons wear face masks when coming for food supplies, whether vaccinated or not. We recognize that In accordance with CDC and state guidelines, individuals in indoor public spaces are not required to wear masks, and over time our policy could change.

Locally Focused

We know these times can be difficult these days for a lot of families here in Jefferson. That is why the Milton United Methodist New Hope Food Pantry provides food products and personal hygiene items twice per month. We also meet with families in-between our regularly scheduled distribution days as needed. In partnership with other churches, schools and organizations we also offer complete Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner baskets, children's Easter baskets and school supplies. We are here to help!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Can I Donate?

Canned fruits and vegetablesSpaghetti SauceCanned tomatoesCereal (adult and kids)
Baked beans
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Coffee/Tea bags
Pasta

Mear meals (i.e., Chef Boyardee)

Soup
Mac & Cheese
Boxed side dishes (i.e., Knorr dishes, stuffing, rice)
Tuna Fish
Toilet Paper
Toiletries

HOW CAN I HELP?

→While you are shopping, pick up a few non-perishable items and simply drop them off at the church. Simply follow the signs for New Hope Food Pantry. There is a gray bin next to the side door.
→Spread the word. Talk to your neighbors, friends and family about the New Hope Food Pantry and tell them about our drop-off location.
→Coordinate a neighborhood/group food drive.
→If you have any ideas about how you can further help, please call the church office at 973-697-3194 and leave a message. We will call you back!

Do you accept monetary donations?

Yes! Donations can be made via our PayPal link above or checks can be made out to "MUMC New Hope Food Pantry". It can be dropped off in our mailbox or mailed to:
New Hope Food Pantry
Milton United Methodist Church
316 Dover-Milton Rd.
Oak Ridge, N.J. 07438

How can I get assistance?

Please call our church office at 973-697-3194. If no one answers, please leave a message with a number where you can be reached and one of our volunteers will return your call.

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New Hope Food Pantry is a ministry of the Milton United Methodist Church. We offer food distribution two times a month for families in need in our community. Distribution days are usually the first Thursday and third Saturday of the month.