As children begin to grow up, being taught how to identify and relate their feelings to them can greatly change their relationships and decision-making skills. This article discusses in detail the role of parents and teachers in developing emotional intelligence in children through feasible approaches and encouraging settings.
What is Emotional Intelligence and does it Matter to Kids?
Intra-emotional intelligence or emotional intelligence as it is commonly abbreviated in discussing emotions as EQ is a term used in defining a person who is capable of recognizing, labeling, and handling their own feeling, as well as perceiving and acting on the feelings of others.
Emotional intelligence is as important to kids as academic studies are. It also impairs their social life, self-esteem and the way they respond to difficulties. Those children who have higher emotional intelligence have more chances to build healthy relationships, succeed in school, and stay out of behavioral issues.
Parents and teachers who work on the formation of emotional intelligence among children give such children an excellent foundation in terms of emotional health and the possibility of realizing their success in the future. Its not about protecting children against the feelings they experience, it is about helping them to go through those emotional experiences in an alert and understanding way.
Teaching Emotional Intelligence Everyday With Activities You Do.
Nevertheless, kids do not have to participate in some special programs in order to develop EI; a child only has to communicate with the adult in their daily life. Such small practices as the questions about how children feel after school or just says their name to their emotional states nurture the skills of explaining the feelings.
Another effective tool is story time; it is important to make children learn about the feelings of characters and develop compassion. Children can also explore feelings on the safe playground when they role-play games and pretend plays.
Moreover, it is important to model emotionally intelligent behavior since an adult who expresses his/her feelings without cogitation and rudeness will teach children the examples.
Similarity to these daily attempts entrenches emotional development in the long run. Building emotional intelligence in children can be established through conversations at the family dinner table, school, during bedtime or any given moment.
What are the Reasons to Include Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood Education?
Emotional intelligence should be integrated to the early level of education to facilitate the whole person’s development. Children spend most of their time at school and thus it becomes a good place to learn about emotions, compassion, and self-management.
Kids can also learn EI by designing a class culture that acknowledges practising Kindness, clear communication and conflict resolution by the Teacher. Activities such as the so-called feelings circles or journaling help children state how they feel and listen to others.
The level of cooperation is increased on the one hand and the manifestations of disruptive behavior are reduced on the other hand when EI is incorporated into the landscape of routine activities at school.
With the aim to develop emotional intelligence in children during these developmental years, teachers can support students with lifetime skills of managing human interactions and the aspects of coping with life in addition to the academic knowledge.
Which Tools and Resources one needs to aid in Emotional Intelligence in Children?
A number of instruments and resources may help parents and educators develop emotional intelligence in children. Emotion charts, flashcards, and even books can explain age-appropriately to young children what they are feeling. Social-emotional learning apps and games will make the development process an exciting and fun experience.
Stress released and emotions containment are also achieved by mindfulness activities, breathing routine, and guided meditations. Older children will find journal keeping or lots of counseling help. EI can also be encouraged by parents who can ensure an open communication channel and validating the feelings of their children.
Regardless of the place, at home or school, the constant use of these tools leads to emotional development and robustness among the children and reinforce the significance of emotional intelligence in their lives.
FAQs
Is their any specific age for kids when to start developing emotional intelligence?
It can begin as early as infanthood when you should learn how to respond to the emotions of your child with understanding and teach them emotional language at a later age.
Can we teach emotional intelligence at home?
Absolutely. EI can be cultivated in children at home through everyday interactions and open dialogue, as well as example of emotional awareness given by adults.
What are the indicators that shows signs of my child is acquiring emotional intelligence?
Yes. Once your child is able to identify what they are feeling, is capable of putting themselves in other peoples shoes, and know how to handle frustration or disappointment, these are all good indicators of having EI.
Does emotional intelligence relates more than IQ?
Although they are all useful, EI tends to serve as a better foreteller of relationship, school and life performance since it is what determines how we treat and relate to other people, as well as how to approach issues.
Conclusion
Teaching children emotional intelligence is the key to breeding empathy, resilience and social competence – and that’s skills for life.
