Social Emotional Learning (SEL): Responsible Decision Making

“Permanent reminder of a temporary feeling.” Jimmy Buffett sang that one, and the Toddford, my dad, uses it a lot.

Choices. Decisions. We’ve all got them to make, and daily.

Kids of all ages are faced with critical decisions as well as adults, decisions that could change lives forever.

Responsible decision making is the fifth and final of the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) competencies. SEL’s responsible decision-making model teaches students self-awareness and how to consider family and friends, their community, and their world.

Responsible decision making involves critical thinking and self-discipline.

In Pee Wee and Buddy Go to Trades Day, the fifth book in Toddford’s and my Pee Wee and Buddy series, the dogs are faced with many choices as they go to First Monday Trades Day. Just figuring out which direction to go is a chore at the largest flea market in the United States!

The crowd of people comes and goes like waves in the ocean. Pee Wee and his crew choose how they will treat everyone and react to things that take place in a positive manner, not letting anything or anyone get them down.

Pee Wee becomes anxious, as he is prone to do, but his friends Buddy and Gus make the positive decision to reassure the pup that he is with his friends who will not leave him.

They tell Pee Wee to look at things with excitement instead of fear, and they wait until he is ready to move forward into the Arbors.

Choices. Decisions. No one is exempt, and everyone is tested. It is all how we choose to, well, choose!

“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” Nelson Mandela

Is fear making your decisions?