Comparing Traditional SEL Practices and Milmo’s Methodology

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) has become an essential part of education, supporting children in developing skills such as self-awareness, empathy, and emotional regulation. Many traditional SEL approaches emphasize helping children recognize emotions and practice appropriate responses within social settings.

However, in some implementations, SEL activities can unintentionally place pressure on children to identify or express emotions in ways that feel “expected” or socially acceptable. When this happens, children may learn to adjust their answers rather than share how they truly feel.

Milmo’s Approach: Accepting All Emotions

Milmo takes a different approach. Rather than guiding children toward specific emotional responses, Milmo centers emotional acceptance and honesty. All emotions are treated as valid signals, creating space for children to express what they are genuinely experiencing without fear of being “wrong.”

This approach is especially meaningful for neurodivergent children, who are often navigating complex social expectations around emotional expression.

The Importance of Emotional Honesty

Research from the American Psychological Association and CASEL highlights the importance of psychological safety in emotional development. When children feel safe expressing their true emotions, they are better able to build self-awareness, self-advocacy, and resilience. Honest emotional expression also allows adults to respond more effectively and provide meaningful support.

Neurodivergent Masking and Its Impact

For neurodivergent children, particularly autistic children, emotional “masking” is a common experience. Masking involves suppressing or altering emotional responses to meet external expectations or avoid negative attention.

A 2021 study published in Autism (Hull et al.) found that autistic individuals often report emotions they do not actually feel, such as stating they are happy when they are distressed, out of concern about providing the “correct” response or being misunderstood. In these cases, SEL practices that prioritize expected answers may unintentionally reinforce masking rather than emotional authenticity.

Why Milmo’s Methodology Matters

Milmo’s methodology helps interrupt this cycle. By validating all emotions and encouraging honest expression, Milmo supports children in communicating their needs and advocating for themselves. This approach benefits neurodivergent learners while also fostering a more inclusive and emotionally safe environment for all children.

Conclusion

Traditional SEL practices play an important role in education. Milmo offers a complementary, research-informed perspective, one that prioritizes emotional honesty, acceptance, and regulation as the foundation for growth. For parents, educators, and school leaders seeking inclusive SEL approaches, Milmo provides a thoughtful pathway to help children feel seen, heard, and supported.