As parents, it’s only natural to want the very best for your child — including giving them a head start with letters, numbers, and reading. In today’s world, where academic readiness often takes center stage, you might feel the urge to teach your toddler the ABCs before they can even grip a crayon properly.

But here’s something worth considering: before a child can truly thrive academically, they need to build a strong foundation of social and emotional skills.

Social-Emotional Skills: The Hidden Foundation of a Child’s Success

Think of these skills as the unseen roots of a tree. You may not notice them, but they are what give a tree its strength to grow tall and steady. A bright and intelligent child who struggles to follow class rules or manage their emotions may find it harder to keep up with academic demands than a child with average cognitive skills but strong emotional stability and social maturity.

When children develop social-emotional skills, they learn to understand their own feelings, recognize the emotions of others, and respond thoughtfully in social situations. This sets the stage for healthy relationships, empathy, and resilience — the ability to adapt, persevere, and thrive both in learning and in life.

Simple, everyday moments play a powerful role in this development. Activities like group play, storytelling, pretend play, taking turns, or helping a friend may seem small, but they nurture cooperation, problem-solving, and confidence. Over time, these experiences shape a child’s character and prepare them to succeed not just in school, but in the world beyond.

Read Also: How to Develop Social-Emotional Skills in Preschoolers

Confidence, Kindness, Respect: The Core of Every JMS Child

At JMS, we understand that social-emotional growth is just as vital as academic learning in the early years. That’s why our Character Building program, guided by caring and experienced teachers, uses engaging stories and meaningful discussions to help children understand emotions, practice empathy, and develop positive values.

By creating a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment, we empower children to grow with confidence, kindness, and respect — giving them the roots they need to soar.

Author by:

Luthfiasari Sekar Fatimah, M.Psi.
JMS School Counsellor