People often ask me which Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) skill matters most. The truth is, all five are important—but not always at the same time. Different ages bring different challenges. What really matters is how we help kids grow into emotionally aware, self-regulating, and responsible humans.

Right before kindergarten, my daughter had a million questions. So, we called in the expert: her aunt, a veteran K teacher with 27-year teaching experience. What followed was funny, heartfelt, and full of wisdom, including the powerful idea that learning to lose gracefully is just as important as ABCs.

Based on interviews with gifted Dutch women, this piece explores how having the freedom to make meaningful choices—at work and in love—shapes life satisfaction. It’s a gentle nudge to reflect: Are you choosing what you love, and loving what you’ve chosen?

The "whole child lens" focuses on nurturing gifted students beyond academics, addressing their social and emotional well-being. By considering their emotional intensity, developmental tasks, and unique challenges, educators and parents can support their overall growth, fostering resilience and well-rounded success in life.

Helping multicultural children find their sense of belonging is one of the most important gifts we can give them. As parents, we have the unique opportunity to guide them through the complexities of multiple cultural identities while supporting their emotional development.

When I moved to the U.S. from Taiwan in 2010, I never imagined that I would one day raise a daughter in a multicultural environment. Fast forward 15 years, and here I am, raising a seven-year-old mixed racial girl who was born in the Netherlands, and ready for new challenges.