Bringing a child into this world comes with countless uncertainties. As a parent, it’s up to you to navigate these unknowns by researching the right methods and strategies to help your little one grow into a good person. Of course, that’s easier said than done, since there isn’t a single correct route to follow when it comes to parenting.
The key is to align what you believe with the approaches you think fit your parenting style best. One such approach most parents can get behind is nurturing a child’s emotional intelligence by having a firm handle on their own. Below, we’ll briefly go over what emotional intelligence refers to as well as a few ways to help parents raise an emotionally intelligent child.
Children are always observing the world around them. Even from the womb, little ones take in information and use it to form a better understanding of how to live. As they grow, they look to others for how to react emotionally, recognize emotions in others and manage their own feelings. These are all aspects of emotional intelligence, or EQ.
Essentially, EQ is defined as the ability to recognize, identify, understand and manage emotions, both your own as well as those in others. This is an important skill to have because empathy is especially critical during times of conflict or high-pressure situations. It also extends into how we form relationships and function socially throughout our lives.
For parents and caregivers, imparting EQ revolves around allowing children to be emotional so that they may learn how to identify how they are feeling, manage their emotions better and gain the ability to self-soothe. After all, emotional does not mean irrational. There are many advantages for kids with a higher EQ. Studies show they are more engaged in school, earn higher grades and have more positive relationships.
Parents have several tools at their disposal to help improve their own EQ as well as that of their children. One example is the RULER method. Forming an acronym with the first five letters, this effective approach entails: recognizing emotions in oneself and others, understanding the causes and consequences of emotions, labeling emotions accurately, expressing emotions appropriately and regulating emotions. Following this approach is constructive for both modeling and teaching EQ to children of all ages.
Parents could also discuss emotions as part of everyday life. It could entail talking about the feelings of a character on TV or giving validation when discussing the child’s own feelings. Another way to promote EQ is to create an emotionally supportive environment in which introspection and self-expression are encouraged.
Parents should know it’s okay to seek outside support when it comes to nurturing EQ more adequately. There are numerous resources to utilize, both online and through the community. If a child’s emotional imbalances are impacting mood or behavior, there are natural therapies available to help as well such as a holistic hormone specialist or family counseling.
Want to learn more about EQ and how to further help your child? Look over the accompanying resource from Wellsource for more information.
