Emotional Intelligence and Kids
A child’s emotional quotient (EQ) is very important for his or her success. A high EQ means that a child relates and communicates comfortably with people, copes adequately with emotions, and forms lasting friendships. Parents greatly contribute to the development of the emotional intelligence of their kids. Teaching cooperation, empathy, and responsibility are very critical. It is also important to let kids allow kids to understand and deal with their feelings as they arise.
In order to help the development of emotional intelligence in your child, you need to take certain steps. First, get to know your child and accept her or him. This is hard for some parents who want their kids to be the best in certain arenas and cannot accept the fact that their kids are not perfect. Find out how your child reacts in certain situations. Determine what your child enjoys and excels in, as well as what your child struggles with and does not enjoy. Notice how your child deals with anger and frustration. Further, take note of how your child interacts with peers, teachers, and other people.
Your child will get into negative situations.
As a parent, you might want to protect him or her. As much as you may want to protect your child, you must allow him or her to experience negative situations. This is how a child learns to deal with anger, frustration, and other negative feelings. Never feed a child or buy him or her toys to stop the crying and tantrums. This will only inhibit growth and prevent the process of learning through experience.
It is also your responsibility to broaden your child’s emotional vocabulary.
Children usually use the words “mad” or “sad” to describe their emotions. They lack the vocabulary that is necessary to describe a specific emotion. They may feel disappointed or but just not know how to express it. Parents can help children use words that are more specific by using them in their own vocabulary. Children learn by example. Use the words and encourage your child to do so, as well. Further, if your child is having an outburst, ask him or her about the emotions that are going on. Ask how you can help and what would make the circumstance better. Show that you are a caring person who wants to understand. Whenever your child handles a struggle in a positive manner, praise him or her. Also, remind your child to use the tactic again when necessary.
Children are not born with social skills.
It is a parent’s responsibility to teach their kids how to behave and respect others. An emotional intelligent child knows to say “I’m sorry” when necessary. Parents could help their children be respectful by encouraging them to consider what other people might think about a situation. A good way to practice this would be to ask your child to describe how characters in a film or book might feel. Then, ask your child if he or she has ever felt that way.
