Tips for Facilitating Emotional Intelligence in Kids
By Laura Ramirez (Family Matters Planning Magazine)
Emotional intelligence (EQ) is a new parenting directive. Although it was considered enough to feed, clothe and raise children in our parents’ day, this is no longer sufficient because our understanding of what they really need from us has changed. In this article, I’ll explain the concept in detail and give you three ways to cultivate it.
What constitutes emotional intelligence?
- Ability to read others’ feelings
- Ability to get along with others
3 Tips for Cultivating Emotional Intelligence:
- Frame interactions with your child positively. When you’re correcting him, discuss, don’t yell. (A discussion is a conversation that takes place between two people. It is not a lecture.)
- Remember, your child is learning how to get along with others which is a process that takes place over time. Yelling at him models for him what emotional intelligence is NOT. When you yell at him, you are teaching him that to get his point across, he must yell at others.
- Instead, get his attention and correct gently, engaging him—pointing out what he did right and consulting with him about what he could have done to take others feelings into account. Going through this process with your child helps him develop the self-reflection skills that lead to emotional intelligence.
Laura Ramirez is the author of the award-winning parenting book, Keepers of the Children. The book teaches parents how to raise children to bring their unique strengths to the table, so they can grow up to lead purposeful and fulfilling lives. Isn’t this what you want for your children?
March 2011