Parents strive to raise emotionally intelligent children. It is often thought of as a good thing; after all, emotional intelligence is the ability to perceive, understand, and manage emotion. It is often associated with mental toughness, problem-solving, and empathy. While these things are important, one element can often be overlooked. How parents bring up children can have an impact on their emotional intelligence. For example, a child whose parents are overly critical may lead them to learn to avoid or ignore their emotions, bringing about problems later in life.
As our kids enter the workforce in greater numbers, they are going to need more than the ability to take tests, they will need the ability to get along well with others, which is something that cannot be learned in an academic setting. That statement may make you think (wrongly) that emotional intelligence can only be taught to older kids. Well, that is not simply true. In fact, kindergartners may sometimes show a much greater sense of emotional intelligence than adults-like that video in which an elder brother (1st or 2nd grader) comforts his toddler sister because her ice cream falls down! So it just goes to show how much the young ones can learn too; maybe even Childcare Courses and teaching degrees should start to focus on teaching people how to teach emotional intelligence to their kids. A very valuable skill to have indeed.
Six Tips for Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
- Label Your Child’s Emotions. Emotional Intelligence, or Emotional Quotient (EQ), is a measure of our ability to manage our own emotions, as well as to recognize and understand the emotions of others. However, as parents, we often unintentionally teach our children that emotions are not valid and important parts of life. For example, when children become upset over something, parents often tell them to “stop crying” or “be a man.”
- Show Empathy. Emotional intelligence-letting go of negative emotions and replacing them with positive ones-is one of the keys to success in life. However, these skills are learned and cannot be instilled in a child all at once, which is why it is important to help your child learn these lessons at home. Ideally, your child will develop these traits naturally over time, but you can help by practicing empathy every day.
- Model Appropriate Ways to Express Feelings. Children learn through educational instruction and how they interact with others, including how adults respond to and communicate with children. Children learn about their own emotions and how they affect others through observation and listening to other children’s stories. Parents and educators need to model appropriate ways to respond to and communicate with children. As a result, kids would be less likely to develop speech-related problems. It’s because kids respond better when they’re talked to more. Sure, treatments are available in the form of speech-therapy programs (at places similar to Scottish rite language center), in case the kid develops one such problem. But, taking every step possible to avoid such an issue should be in the best interest of any parent.
- Teach Healthy Coping Skills. Children who are equipped with healthy coping skills are able to function successfully in today’s fast-paced, stressful world. These skills include the ability to control their emotional responses, make healthy choices, and solve problems. Parents who instill these skills do not only gain a child’s respect but help them learn to deal with stress and bounce back from adversity. When they get older, they will be able to have healthy conversations with their parents, peers, and superiors, without lashing out or reacting badly.
- Develop Problem Solving Skills. Growing up, you were probably taught that people would be happy if you behaved. You were not taught a skill called emotional awareness, which is key to becoming an effective problem solver. As you get older and more responsibilities come your way, you will face tougher challenges that will require skills that can help you solve any issues that come up. These skills will prepare your son or daughter for further studies, careers, and relationships. You could teach your kids these skills through online training courses on critical thinking, psychology, and emotional awareness. There are plenty of them available on the Web. However, they are not the only options for incorporating problem-solving skills in your kids. For instance, nowadays, the top secondary schools in the UK and in other nations across the globe are known to offer chances to students to develop in this area. Mainly, it is the curriculum that takes charge of improving their problem-solving skills. So, yes, enrolling your kid at one such educational institution could also prove to be beneficial.
- Make Emotional Intelligence an Ongoing Goal. Teaching your child emotional intelligence begins with you. Do not wait until your child reaches school age to begin teaching them the basic concepts. Start by reading to them, talking to them, and explaining to them how you feel. One of the primary characteristics of emotional intelligence is accurately identifying and labeling emotions.
Benefits of Emotional Intelligence
Research shows that emotional intelligence is one of the best predictors of career success, and it is also linked to lower stress levels, increased physical and mental health, and being an overall happier person.
People with high emotional intelligence characteristics tend to be happier, more self-confident, and increasingly successful. In other words, this trait plays an important role in how they go through life.