How to Raise an Emotionally Intelligent Child?
Children who are able to connect with others, form meaningful relationships, and grow in self-awareness all benefit greatly from early exposure to the skills of emotional intelligence. Read on to find out the significance of emotional intelligence and four terrific strategies for developing emotional intelligence in children, adolescents, and young adults. Emotional intelligence, like most skills, can be taught, even if some people are born with a more innate feel of it. This is very true for young people. Parents and educators can assist children in developing high emotional intelligence by providing a nurturing setting for healthy social and emotional growth and by continuing (or beginning) to instruct, model, and coach emotionally intelligent behaviours.
Create a Comfortable Environment for Emotional Sharing at Home
Emotional intelligence, like many other acquired behaviours, is typically initially taught in the home. It is crucial to create a setting where showing feelings is not just tolerated but encouraged. Create and reinforce a family motto that emphasises the importance of empathy and emotional intelligence as a means to start this process at home. A statement along the lines of “We think it’s healthy to have emotions!” or “In this house, we’re permitted to experience our feelings!” The development of a child’s emotional intelligence might be aided by a family motto that encourages openness to show feelings. Having a family motto to refer back to during the adolescent years can be especially useful as your child navigates the social and emotional challenges of these formative years.
Share Learning Opportunities with External Stories and Scenarios
Having conversations about how the family is feeling as they watch a show, read a book, or take in an experience is another fantastic way to help your child develop emotional intelligence. In a book you’re reading with your second grader, for instance, pause periodically to ask your child to explain what emotions they think the characters in the story could be experiencing. Asking children questions like “How do you think you would feel in that expressed situation?” while maintaining an environment of positivity and inquiry can also help foster empathy in your child.
Share Ways to Manage Emotions Positively & Productively
It’s crucial to not just be open and welcoming when discussing emotions but also to show others healthy strategies to cope with their own. Saying something like, “I feel upset because no one is listening to me right now,” and then saying, “I plan to deal with this irritation by ____,” is an example of expressing feelings while simultaneously articulating a strategy for dealing with them. Instead of acting out in anger, I’m going to wait until everyone has left the room. Alternatively: “I’m relieved to see that you finished your homework!” I’m happy, and I want to share it with you by giving you a high five.
Helping kids make the link between an event and its aftermath is a great way to get them started on the path to effective emotional regulation. When it comes to developing a child’s emotional intelligence, the best CBSE residential school in BBSR – ODM Public School takes the view that it’s not a “one and done” deal. Teaching, modelling, and promoting emotional intelligence in children is not a destination but a lifelong journey. These suggestions will help you lay a solid groundwork for that journey.