العربية
SEK International Schools recently held a new edition of Aula de Familias, this time focused on children’s emotional development through the renowned RULER program.The session was led by Ruth Castillo Gualda, Ph.D. in Psychology and specialist in emotional development in childhood and adolescence, as well as a professor at UCJC, and Cristina Márquez Raña, a psychologist specializing in international education and giftedness.
During the event, the experts shared practical strategies and tools that can be applied both in schools and at home. The RULER program, developed by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence and backed by over three decades of scientific research, is implemented in all SEK Schools as part of their commitment to students’ emotional well-being.
Ruth Castillo emphasized the significance of this approach: “We must take the mental health and well-being of our children very seriously.” Along these lines, the importance of attachment and family emotional culture was highlighted as fundamental pillars of emotional development. “The family is, from childhood, the first space where we learn to express our emotions,” she explained.
Throughout the session, key aspects such as emotional recognition and regulation were addressed, as they are essential skills for healthy development. “Emotional skills can counterbalance the impact that our personality traits may sometimes have,” the speakers added.
Among the core tools of the RULER program, the Mood Meter was introduced—a visual tool that helps children identify and express their emotions consciously and effectively. “The Mood Meter allows us to foster all these skills from an early age,” the presenters explained.
Cristina Márquez shared a series of practical strategies with families to support emotional regulation at home:
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Encouraging emotional expression using the Mood Meter and reading stories about emotions.
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Creating a safe environment where children feel free to express how they feel.
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Modeling healthy behaviors through active listening and quality family time.
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Teaching self-regulation techniques such as mindful breathing or mindfulness practices.
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Establishing clear and consistent boundaries, always explaining the consequences of actions.
The session concluded by reinforcing the importance of collaboration between families and schools in the holistic development of children. Interested families can access additional resources through each SEK school’s guidance team, as well as specialized platforms that offer practical guides on emotional education.