Many studies have shown that emotional intelligence is superior to IQ and has a strong correlation to happiness and success. Many highly educated adults struggle with their daily lives because they have a vague sense of emotion despite being very experienced and knowledgeable in what they do.
Higher emotional intelligence can lead to a more satisfying life and well-being as it connects fulflling relationships and happiness.
Those with good emotional intelligence can demonstrate the following traits:
- Emotional management They can take control of their moods and emotions well. They have a stronger ability to regulate their moods better.
- Self-motivation They can motivate themselves to stay focused despite having doubts and distractions.
- Higher Empathy They can recognize the emotional states and feelings of others, and they focus on the needed actions to work with them.
- Navigating relationships In the event of conficts or challenges, they can treat and work with others appropriately and get the same treatment.
- Self-awareness They are very aware and recognize what is happening. This helps to fnd the appropriate corrective solutions to issues.
These are essential qualities that are important for anyone. Mastering these fve qualities can yield personal efectiveness in establishing strong competency to manage others.
You can consider these recommended strategies to increase the emotional intelligence of your child:
- Grasping the diferent emotional states, they can recognize their own emotions and express them clearly. It relates to common emotions like happiness, disappointment, sadness, etc. You will get validation on your child’s feelings and take the following steps accordingly.
- I feel sad when I get rejected by others.”
- I am excited to go cycling in the park next week.”
- Recognize how they respond to stress. Every child reacts diferently to a given situation. We need to understand how they associate certain emotions with behaviors. We can then fnd ways to help them deal with uncomfortable feelings.
- You cry because you cannot achieve what you want.”
- You feel angry as your brother did not follow you.”
- Encourage them to share their emotions. It is important that we can understand what they are going through. Motivating them to share their feelings openly is helpful so we can take the next step. You may provide your examples to broaden the child’s awareness and perspective.
- Encourage problem-solving behaviors. Guide them on the potential actions to address the present problem. They can learn to get over things and work towards fnding solutions rather than brood over things.
- What is inappropriate? How can you make it well.”
- Why did you cry? What can make you stop crying?”
- Demonstrate what emotional intelligence is. Parents are the models of behavior. Our children look to us to learn and understand. It is thus important that we demonstrate the behaviors of practicing emotional intelligence.
Review your children’s social ability in school and observe what they might have done well and other areas to improve. The development of high emotional intelligence can pave happier and more productive lives for their brighter future.
