You have a duty as a parent to help your child grow his intelligence. Of course, this guides academic intelligence, but it isn’t the only kind of intellect that matters. The ability to express and manage feelings correctly while respecting the sentiments of others is defined as emotional intelligence (EQ). It is a collection of abilities that may be learned by children at any age.
According to a study conducted over the last few generations, emotional intelligence has been connected to a combination of advantages that will help your child for the rest of her life. Here are a few ways emotional intelligence can assist you:
High EQ correlates with a high IQ. On standardized tests, children with higher levels of emotional intelligence perform better. They also have a better grade point average. Improved interpersonal relationships. Emotional intelligence abilities aid in the management of conflict and the development of deeper bonds in children. Adults who have increased levels of emotional intelligence have better personal and professional connections. Childhood EQ has been connected to mature success. According to a 19-year study issued in the American Journal of Public Health, a child’s social and emotional talents in kindergarten can predict their long-term performance. Children who could share, collaborate, and follow directions at the age of five were better likely to finish high school and start working full-time employment by the age of 25.
Mental health has improved. Depression and other mental diseases are less prevalent among people who have higher levels of emotional intelligence.
Emotional intelligence has numerous benefits. A child who can handle his or her emotions while distressed is more likely to succeed in difficult conditions. And a child who is able to communicate their emotions in a healthy manner is more likely to have more beneficial relationships than one who screams or says cruel things when unhappy.
The good news is that all children can develop emotional intelligence skills. Adults must simply teach children how to do so.
Children must be able to detect their emotions. You can help your child by calling her emotions—at least the emotion you think she is undergoing.
“It looks like you’re really angry right now,” you can say when your child is upset because they lost a game. “Is that correct?” “Are you sorry that we won’t be visiting Grandma and Grandpa today?” you can ask if they appear sad.
Words like “mad,” “upset,” “shy,” and “painful” might help you establish an emotional lexicon. Don’t forget to include words like “joy,” “excited,” “thrilled,” and “hopeful” in your vocabulary.
It’s attractive to de-emphasize your child’s emotions when he or she is angry, especially if their emotions are overly dramatic. Dismissive remarks, on the other hand, will educate your child that their feelings are incorrect.
Even if you don’t understand why they’re upset, it’s best to acknowledge their sentiments and offer empathy. If your child is sobbing because you told them they couldn’t go to the park until they cleaned their room, tell them, “I get sad when I don’t get to do what I want.” “When I don’t want to work, it’s difficult to keep going.”
When your child sees that you comprehend how they’re feeling on the inside, they’ll feel slightly obliged to express themselves through their actions. Rather than shout and cry to show you that they’re angry, they’ll feel better if you’ve made it plain that you’re aware of their distress.
Children must try to handle their emotions in a constructive way once they have a better knowledge of them. It might be tough for tiny toddlers to relax, cheer themselves up, or face their fears. It is necessary to teach specific skills. Teaching your child how to take a few deep breaths can help them calm down when they are enraged, for example. It’s a kid-friendly way to teach this by telling them to take “bubble breaths,” in which they breathe in through their nose and out through their lips as if blowing through a bubble wand.
Learning how to solve difficulties is an important part of developing emotional intelligence. It’s time to figure out how to cure the problem when the feelings have been acknowledged and handled.
Maybe your child is annoyed by their sister’s regular disruptions while playing video games. Assist them in coming up with at least five potential solutions to the problem. It isn’t required that solutions be good ideas. The initial goal is to just generate ideas.
When your child makes a mistake, talk about what could have been done differently and what your child can do to remedy any remaining issues.