Emotional Intelligence - Why it Matters and How to Teach It?

Read on to find about the importance of emotional intelligence in children and learn the ways to help them imbibe it.As humans, we are all social and emotional beings. Emotions which arise in our thoughts or feelings need to be properly understood and channelled in the right direction. When we learn to manage our emotions in an intelligent and appropriate manner, our life becomes happy. Hence, it is very important to teach emotional intelligence to kids from a young age so that they learn to perfectly manage their emotions and feelings. A child who lacks emotional intelligence can become aggressive and troublesome. Hence, emotional intelligence matters a lot and children are better off when they can handle their emotions well. Here are a few reasons why emotional intelligence matters and tips to teach your children. In this articleActive ListeningSelf-AwarenessEmpathyManaging Emotions and Self-RegulationMeasuring and Developing Emotional Intelligence You can measure and Develop EI in your children using the following methods. Active Listening Listening to what other people have to say is very important. Teach children to wait for the other person to finish and then respond appropriately. Active listening should be developed so children do not back answer and there is peace at home, school and everywhere else. We must not interpret wrongly when the teacher gives feedback. Miscommunication often happens when children do not wait for the teacher or parent to complete while giving feedback because they want to quickly put forth their side of the argument. Teaching kids to actively listen without interrupting is very important for proper two way communication to take place. Conversations should be two-sided and not one-sided. Self-Awareness Knowledge of your own strengths and weaknesses is very important. For example, a child who participates in a singing competition and faces rejection should not feel bad. It is important to be practical and have a realistic view of yourself. Even though the child or parent may think that he or she deserves more and more chances, the teacher or judge knows better. When they say that your son or daughter cannot go ahead in the competition, it is important to fully understand what that means. A ‘no’ is a ‘no’ and whether or not you deserve more chances should solely be the discretion of the teacher or respective judge of the competition. Sometimes children have interest in those activities in which they may not be able to do well and hence parents or teachers should not get dejected when it is not possible. As mothers or fathers, over-expectation hurts when you realize that your son or daughter cannot do something; so it is better to be content and realistic from an early stage itself. Empathy Teachers love children who are empathetic to the needs of other children. Sometimes, a simple sentence like ‘I understand’ or ‘I realize’ is great to hear from people including children. When you are busy reading the newspaper and your child begs for attention, then he or she needs to be taught empathy. Similarly, when you are unwell and your child forces you to take him or her out, then gently make him understand that they should be considerate towards others feelings and problems. Similarly, teach your children to not laugh or bully when others make a mistake. Children who learn empathy become good human beings and are an asset to the school and country. It is difficult especially for small kids, but teach them to put themselves in other’s shoes to understand better. Managing Emotions and Self-Regulation Just like athletes are taught to not give-up and remain strong, children should also be taught the importance of staying strong and not giving up whatever the situation may be. Those who are good in studies should be taught the importance of helping weak students without feeling ashamed. Rich kids should be taught the importance of respecting everyone including those who come from lower sections of society. Feelings like superiority or inferiority should not arise in any child irrespective of the talents or qualities they possess. All children are a gift of God and as mothers you know that very well. Respect other’s kids and do not let your child develop negative thoughts about anybody. Teach children to regulate their emotions so that they can be successful and happy in life always. Sometimes, school life is full of competition; hence children should learn to accept the situations as it comes. Encourage your children without focusing too much on the rat-race. Learn to motivate your children and help them achieve their goals by becoming emotionally strong and tough. Why do some children lack emotional intelligence? What is the importance of emotional intelligence in children? How to inculcate emotional intelligence in children? Discuss here.