How To Encourage Emotional Intelligence In Children

The emotional intelligence of children is that faculty that allows them to understand their own emotions and those of others. And it is crucial for them to feel good about themselves and in society.

Children’s emotional intelligence is their ability to adequately recognize, appreciate and value their own emotions and those of others. This way their actions can be in tune with the emotions they feel.

This is why it is so important to encourage children’s emotional intelligence.

What is children’s emotional intelligence?

Many studies have concluded that the skills and abilities needed to be successful in life cannot be measured by any intelligence test. We don’t need a bright brain and a high IQ if we can’t understand other people’s emotions and aren’t empathic.

Most parents are aware of the fact that the education of their children is intimately linked to the correct development of emotions. Family relationships play a vital role in the emotional well-being of the whole family. Likewise, otherwise they cause conflict and malaise, causing negative emotions that harm the whole family.

A home where peace, calm, harmony and happiness reign will be a perfect environment to channel your children’s emotions. Parents are a role model for children. For this, parents must first have a good emotional conscience. That is to say, they must be aware of their emotions, their causes and their possible consequences.

How to help our children have emotional intelligence?

To help our children manage their emotions correctly we must teach them to translate their emotions into words from an early age, otherwise they will not know how to do it. It is good to teach them to listen to themselves, so that they can better understand how they feel and thus be able to express it. Any time or situation of the day can be good for practicing and developing one’s own emotional awareness.

Furthermore, it is also important that they pay attention to their emotions, whether they are positive, for example when they are happy, or that they are negative, such as when they feel sad or angry. This in order to be able to classify them and give them a name. We must not forget the importance of finding the cause of this emotion. They have to try to figure out what caused it and, more importantly, why it makes them feel that way. Ultimately, they must acquire an emotional awareness of their own.

In the case of negative emotions, it is right to teach them to find alternatives to these emotions. That is to say, if something has made them angry, we must show them that when faced with the same situation they can act in many different ways. And the decision we make is not always the correct one. Emotions are in many cases responsible for our thoughts and actions. For this reason, learning to know them and to react can help us to feel empathy and to be more flexible.

Characteristics of parents with highly developed emotional intelligence

• They possess the physical and mental tools of self-control.
• They are based on facts before prejudices. First impressions are never decisive.
• They have the ability to  see the beautiful side of things. That is, they manage to transform negative things into positive.
• They know how to take responsibility for their actions and profit from mistakes.
• They are able to  set limits and have firmness when necessary.
• They are open to meeting new people.

How can you commit to your child’s emotional education?

From an early age, our children are exposed to numerous emotions and feelings. They must learn to perceive them in a positive way, in order to have adequate behaviors. The presence of good social relationships and their active participation in society depend on this in the future, which are reflected in personal satisfaction.

Here are some of the things you will need to work on with your child to help them develop emotional intelligence:

Communication

• Find times to speak and listen openly and actively.
• Avoid closed questions, preferring open ones.

Recognize strengths

• Compliment the successes and efforts involved.
• Don’t label inappropriate behaviors.
• Build affection.

Help him in difficult times

• Try to give him confidence and a lot of calm.

Help him manage his emotions

• Help him face the situation and find a solution together.

• Address any conflict so your child can learn from it.

Remember that boosting your child’s emotional intelligence will not only help them communicate and establish relationships around the home. Indeed, it will also allow him to get away with it naturally in the future, make his own decisions and act accordingly.