Introduction
You meet a variety of people in your everyday life. Even with all these challenges, some people wear a broad smiling face, while others moan constantly. Why is this the case? Why do some people remain cool in some circumstances while others respond violently? This is due to Emotional Intelligence disparities. This form of intelligence is not measured by IQ testing, yet it is critical for emotional health. A simple illustration demonstrates the importance of Emotional Intelligence in Children’s Lives: Assume a student is having trouble with a class assignment. Instead of yelling and giving up, he explains his situation and asks for assistance. Those two situations are the outcome of a collection of abilities known as Emotional Intelligence, which you can learn more about in this blog on education.
What is Emotional Intelligence and How Can It Help You?
Emotional Intelligence or EI is the ability to comprehend and control your own and others’ emotions. Emotional intelligence is the ability to channel feelings in a good way in order to conquer stress and depression, communicate effectively, empathize with each other, face obstacles with bravery, and defuse violence. Instilling and strengthening the roots of emotional values in youngsters is similar to growing a plant into a tree that can withstand life’s catastrophes. EQ is beneficial to children who have learning and thinking difficulties.
Daniel Goleman, an author, and psychologist explained EI in the following key points:
- Consciousness – Becoming emotionally powerful begins with knowing oneself. Self-awareness is the state of knowing what one is experiencing at any given time, how one’s mood is, and how one’s mood impacts others.
- Regulation – Self-regulation refers to the ability to control one’s feelings or emotions. They think about the repercussions of their acts before taking them.
- Inspiration – People regulate their feelings and inspire themselves to achieve their goals despite a variety of unpleasant ideas and diversions.
- Empathy – Cultivating empathy for others and appreciating their feelings.
- Social Competences – It’s the science of dealing with people. It is a method of learning how to act in order to elicit a favorable response from others and preserve a harmonious relationship with everyone.
These crucial characteristics are at the heart of Emotional Intelligence. Those who master them have a firm foundation of Emotional Intelligence and can successfully deal with all of life’s obstacles.
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Children’s Lives
You’ve probably come across a circumstance when a child isn’t performing well in his chores. Some children may find it challenging to finish assignments that other children find simple. They may feel inferior as a result of their learning disabilities, and they may be hesitant to seek assistance. This is where Emotional Intelligence comes into play since it shapes how a child responds to and deals with obstacles. EI plays a significant role in resolving conflicts and achieving success. Assume a child is having trouble finishing his schoolwork.
Let’s put the five main components of Emotional Intelligence to the test and see how they fare:
- He recognizes that he is having trouble comprehending the schoolwork and is dissatisfied.
- Rather than retaliating violently, he evaluates the outcome of the same.
- He does not respond in this manner; instead, he chooses to explain his situation.
- He doesn’t give up; instead, he constantly tries.
- He seeks assistance from someone elderly.
- He is unable to comprehend once more, yet he sits and waits for his instructor to clarify the situation and is interested in learning a new skill.
Children with high Emotional Intelligence have this mindset. In the event that the situation is flipped, a child may behave as follows:
- When he is unable to discover a solution, he becomes irritated and discards the items.
- He begins ranting at those who attempt to assist him.
- He’s a natural quitter.
- Instead of solving the challenges, he blames them.
- He doesn’t ask for assistance from anyone.
As a result, the same scenario might elicit a variety of responses in children, dependent on their emotional health.
What should you do?
Several school-based social-emotional learning programs teach students how to recognize and manage their emotions. However, you may take certain steps to increase and develop Emotional Intelligence in your children at home.
Here are a few things you can do at home:
- Address the difficulties – It’s always better to discuss things. Have a conversation with your child. Talk to your kids about how they’re feeling and what they’re going through. Explain feelings to them, such as grief, rage, happiness, overwhelm, and so on. Then pay attention to what they’re saying and try to figure out why they’re feeling that way.
- Strategize Techniques – Emotional intelligence requires the ability to control emotions and solve problems. Thinking of ways to encourage a child to consider a variety of pleasant outcomes.
- Support People – Allow your children to join you in caring for and helping others to instill the attitude of kindness and compassion toward others. Allow them to participate if they like. By your acts, teach them and lead by example for them.
How to Help Children Cultivate Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional Intelligence is an ability that may be developed through time. As a parent, you can make your child emotionally healthy with some work and mindful parenting.
Here are some suggestions for fostering emotional intelligence in children:
- Encourage children to express their emotions in an open and honest manner. Make them conscious of their feelings and talk to him about them.
- Learn reading and comprehend other people’s emotions. You can sit with your child in front of the television or a movie and examine the reactions of different characters.
- If there is a dispute between children, ask children how they feel, speak about their emotions, and explain to them how they might act in a constructive light rather than yelling or aggravating them.
- Make children take part in group activities where they can encounter new children, gain from them, notice how they act, and then have a dialogue about their emotions.
To Sum Up
Emotional Intelligence isn’t a strange subject to explore. It is one of the fundamental attributes that must be understood in order to raise a child. It is the tiny things that lay the groundwork for a child’s future. A high level of emotional intelligence is important for a child’s total growth, not just emotionally but also professionally.