Page 38 - Education August 2024

Promoting Emotional Intelligence

in Children

motional intelligence (EI) is a critical skill that supports plans change. It’s hard to deal with that.” This validation
children in understanding and managing their helps children feel understood and supported, reducing their
Eemotions, fostering empathy, and building strong likelihood of acting out.
social relationships. As parents, you can employ several
effective strategies to help your children develop these 3. Model Appropriate Expression of Emotions
essential skills. Children learn a lot by observing their parents. Model how
to express emotions healthily and constructively. Use feeling
1. Label Emotions words in your daily conversations and show how you manage
One of the first steps in fostering emotional intelligence your emotions. For example, say, “I feel happy when we have
is helping your child recognise and name their emotions. family dinner together,” or “I get frustrated when there’s
Children who can identify their feelings are better equipped too much noise, so I take deep breaths to calm down.” This
to manage them. For instance, if your child is upset about demonstrates to children that it’s normal to have emotions
losing a game, you might say, “It looks like you’re feeling and there are healthy ways to express them.
disappointed. Is that right?” This practice helps children
articulate their emotions and understand that feeling a 4. Teach Coping Skills
range of emotions is okay. Once children understand their emotions, they must learn
how to cope effectively. Teach specific strategies like deep
2. Show Empathy breathing, counting to ten, or taking a break when they feel
Empathy is crucial in developing emotional intelligence. overwhelmed. Creating a “calm down” kit with items like a
When your child is upset, validate their feelings by showing colouring book, a favourite toy, or soothing music can also be
empathy. If they are frustrated because they can’t go to the helpful. Encourage your child to use these tools to manage
park, you might say, “I understand it’s disappointing when their emotions in challenging situations.

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