Photo by Freepik
Learning emotional intelligence (EI) is an important life skill that contributes to how children understand themselves and connect with their world. Being parents, we play a significant role in nourishing this growth. Come along as I explore some practical strategies to help your child develop their EI, and build stronger relationships with those around them.
A good starting point is to support your child in recognizing and articulating what they feel. Asking questions such as, “How are you doing right now?” or “Can you tell me why you’re feeling this way?” can unlock a gateway for them to express their emotions.
Recently, my daughter felt disappointed after losing a game of basketball to another team. However, by talking through her feelings, she came to understand that it wasn’t just about the game, but also about wanting to achieve her very best. Learning this helped her recover faster, and see the situation from a more positive outlook.
Empathy is the ability to understand and feel the emotions of others. It is a skill that can be fostered early on in children. Empathy can be encouraged by asking your child questions that get them to think about how someone else might feel. For example, “How do you think your brother feels when you call him that mean name?”
One memorable moment was when my son noticed a friend sitting alone on a bench during recess. He told me that he approached her, and suggested they play together. Helping your child understand the feelings of others can teach them the impact of their actions in their surroundings, and use what they know to take constructive actions.
Guide your child in understanding how to navigate their emotions effectively. Ask them, “What do you do when you feel angry or sad?” Support them in investigating strategies like deep breathing, counting to five, or finding a calm space to settle down.
I remember my son telling me that during an awful argument he had with a friend, he remembered to take a deep breath before responding. This simple act prevented him from saying something hurtful and helped him communicate his needs to his friend more clearly.
By developing children’s emotional intelligence, we prepare them with precious life skills. These are strengths that will help them in their relationships both inside and outside school. Teaching children about EI is about empowering them to recognize and manage their emotions with increasing resilience and empathy.
As you begin your quest with your child, remember, that every time you interact with them, you have an opportunity to develop their emotional intelligence. By being open, asking thoughtful questions, and of course, leading by example, you can support your child to grow to be an exceptional individual who thrives in their relationships. So, what techniques can you use with your child today? Are there ways you already develop their EI?
If you enjoyed this article, your comments and clicking the subscribe button (at the bottom of this site) would mean a lot to us! They fuel our drive to keep sharing meaningful perspectives and knowledge.