When kids are well developed emotionally, and have the proper social and life skills, they get along with others better, are happier, and accomplish more.

Risks of Underdeveloped Social and Life Skills

When kids don’t get the support they need for their emotional health and to develop the proper social and life skills, they’re at increased risk for a variety of troubling outcomes:

• behavioral issues such as aggression, depression, and anxiety
• poor self-image
• decreased confidence levels
• bullying
• poor academic and athletic performance
• self-destructive behavior
• alcohol, cigarette, and/or marijuana use in teen years and early adulthood

It Starts Early

Emotional wellness, social skills, and life skills are important tools for children to develop. They all affect how children look at themselves and others, interact with each other, evaluate their challenges, and explore their choices. This includes handling stress, feelings, and reactions positively. Families and educators would do well to reinforce these tools — early and often.